Larne Jobs and Benefits office joins domestic abuse alert scheme

The Pound Street office is one of four JBos in Northern Ireland taking part in the initiative, the Department for Communities has said.

The ‘Ask for ANI’ codeword scheme provides anyone at risk of abuse with support in accessing help and a safe space in which to do so.

The ‘Action Needed Immediately’ (ANI) scheme launched in pharmacies in January 2021. Due to the scheme’s success – an interim evaluation found participating pharmacies handled an average of 5.4 disclosures per week - it is now being extended.

Each office will take part in a nine-month pilot with specialist staff trained to help those suffering, or at risk of, abuse. Safe spaces will also be available in Armagh, Andersonstown, and Lisnagelvin JBos where individuals who ask for ‘ANI’ will be brought to a safe, private room.

The ‘ANI’ codeword alerts staff that the person is seeking immediate, urgent help. A clear process will be in place to help staff provide necessary support. Their role focuses on offering individuals a quiet, private space to contact specialist services who can advise and support accordingly.

The pilot scheme will also run at 14 Jobcentre sites across England, Scotland and Wales.

The Department for Communities says it is fully committed to the Executive’s Stopping Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse in Northern Ireland Strategy and the NICS Domestic and Sexual Abuse Policy.