Domestic Abuse Support & Safe Spaces in Community Pharmacy
A practical, trauma-aware course for community pharmacy teams on supporting people experiencing domestic abuse. Covers the Safe Spaces scheme, the Ask for ANI codeword (now managed by UK SAYS NO MORE/Hestia), PQS training requirements, staff wellbeing, and how to respond with confidence to someone seeking help in the pharmacy.
⚠️ Content notice: This course covers domestic abuse and related topics. Some learners may find this content distressing. Please be aware of your own wellbeing as you work through this material. Support is available via the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours, free, confidential).
Community pharmacy is one of the most accessible, trusted and discreet healthcare settings in the country. For someone experiencing domestic abuse — who may not be able to make a phone call at home, who cannot visit a GP without raising suspicion, or who simply needs five minutes of privacy and the number of a helpline — the pharmacy can be exactly the right place at exactly the right moment. But only if the team knows what to do.
This course equips the whole pharmacy team with the knowledge and confidence to support people experiencing domestic abuse — through the Safe Spaces scheme, the Ask for ANI codeword, and everyday trauma-aware interactions. It covers how the schemes work in practice, what staff should do step by step, how domestic abuse awareness training fits within PQS requirements, and how to look after your own wellbeing when doing this important work.
What you'll learn
- ✓What domestic abuse is, who it affects, and why pharmacy is a vital access point for victims
- ✓How the Safe Spaces scheme works — and what your team must do when someone asks to use it
- ✓How the Ask for ANI codeword scheme works — step-by-step response including emergency and non-emergency pathways
- ✓Current management of Ask for ANI via UK SAYS NO MORE/Hestia following withdrawal of central government guidance (October 2024)
- ✓PQS domestic abuse training requirements, CPPE e-learning, and how exemptions for staff with lived experience are handled
- ✓Trauma-aware principles for interacting with people who may be experiencing abuse
- ✓Staff wellbeing support — helplines, Pharmacist Support, and boundaries for pharmacy team members
"The Safe Spaces scheme offers people experiencing domestic abuse a discreet, safe place to seek help. Community pharmacies are uniquely placed to provide this — trusted, accessible and visited by everyone." — UK SAYS NO MORE / Hestia Safe Spaces
Aligned with current schemes
This course is aligned with CPPE domestic abuse awareness and Safe Spaces training, the UK SAYS NO MORE/Hestia Safe Spaces scheme, and Ask for ANI scheme guidance as currently managed by UK SAYS NO MORE/Hestia (note: central government guidance for pharmacies was withdrawn in October 2024). Also aligned with PQS domestic abuse training requirements and LPC guidance. Always check the current CPPE, UK SAYS NO MORE and local LPC guidance for the latest scheme details and training requirements.
👤 Who this is for
Community pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensers, MCAs and delivery drivers in England, Scotland and Wales — particularly those working in consultation rooms and front-of-house who may be approached by people experiencing domestic abuse. Suitable for all staff participating in Safe Spaces, Ask for ANI or PQS domestic abuse awareness training. This course supports but does not replace CPPE domestic abuse e-learning certification where required.
⚠️ This course supports but does not replace CPPE certification. Where CPPE domestic abuse awareness/Safe Spaces e-learning is required for PQS or contract purposes, that certification must be completed separately. This course provides contextual understanding and practical preparation. Always check the current CPPE and PQS guidance for certification requirements applicable to your role.
This course includes
Course Curriculum
Frequently asked questions
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This course includes
- 📚 5 modules · 10 lessons
- ⏱ 1h 30m self-paced learning
- 📥 3 downloadable templates & checklists
- 📝 Knowledge assessment quiz
- 🔁 Unlimited quiz re-attempts
- 🏆 Verified certificate on completion
- ♾️ Lifetime access to content
Downloadable templates
- Safe Spaces SOP Checklist for Community Pharmacy
- Ask for ANI Response Flow Checklist
- Domestic Abuse Training & Staff Wellbeing Plan Template
Templates unlock after enrolment
Standards & currency
Written by UK pharmacy experts. Always verify against current official guidance before clinical use.
Certificate of Achievement
Complete this course and earn a personalised, printable certificate — with your name, course title and a unique certificate number. Suitable as CPD evidence for GPhC revalidation and GPhC inspection records.