Camilla speaks to SafeLives about ‘Ask for ANI’ scheme

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.

The Duchess of Cornwall spoke to domestic violence charity Safe Lives about the new Government-supported Ask for ANI scheme which was launched back in January. The charity aims to support domestic violence supporters access support in pharmacies across the country.

Camilla spoke via a video call from her desk in the Morning Room of Clarence House.

The room was filled with historic treasures including the Sortie de l’Eglise, a Jamaique 1961 painting by Sir Noel Coward and a bust of the young Queen.

Upon the grand wooden desk, there was a striking trio of blue ornamental elephants, silver tub filled with red pens, silver tray and a decorative jug of pink tulips.

The photo Prince Charles and Camilla used in their 2020 Christmas card could also be seen in the corner.

In the opulently designed room, there was a mid-eighteenth century gilt wood pedestal with lights on either side of the mantelpiece.

Eagle-eyed fans would recognise the room following a video call last October when Rebecca Beattie from York was awarded a Pride of Britain award.

A photo was also released back in December to mark the royal’s meeting with the UAE Crown Prince.

During the video call, the Duchess spoke in detail about Action Needed Immediately (ANI) scheme to Suzanne Jacobs, chief executive of the Safe Lives domestic abuse charity.

Camilla, who has previously spoken about her concerns over domestic abuse during the coronavirus pandemic, asked: “I know the cases are going up and the calls are coming in but do you see a sign of improvement in the way of reporting it?”

Ms Jacobs explained how one of the priorities over lockdown had been to find new ways of offering support during the crisis.

She said: “All of those places opening up their doors, training their teams, being able to have an initial conversation with somebody.”

The Duchess then continued: “So when you go into Boots and ask for ANI, are you taken into a room by a person and sat down and then you can discuss?

DON’T MISS 
Princess Eugenie pictured leaving hospital with royal baby evg [INSIGHT]
Harry distraught as Queen makes ‘very clear’ military honours stripped [REVEAL] 
Prince Harry ‘torpedoed’ Charles’ tour with unplanned statement [COMMENT]

“It’s pure brilliance.

“It’s so simple yet it’s so effective.”

Ms Jacobs went on to explain how the women who have sought help so far were from “all sorts of backgrounds and demographics”.

She explained how one woman who was in an abusive relationship for 20 years is now in a “space of safety”.

Ms Jacobs continued: “And now she is in a space of safety.

“It’s a really simply thing but it can change people’s lives.”

During the first lockdown, there was a spike in reported incidents of domestic abuse.

According to police figures, there were 259,324 cases reported to the police from March to June 2020.

This was up seven percent on the previous year and 18 percent on 2018.

Source: Read Full Article