Shoppers praise Tesco as ‘discreet and clever’ as they spot the supermarket has included a domestic violence helpline on its receipts after a surge in abuse cases during lockdown
- Tesco is sharing the number for the Domestic Abuse helpline on its receipts
- Been praised on Twitter as ‘brilliant initiative’ to help victims discreetly
- It comes as Morrisons opened safe spaces for domestic violence victims to seek help in lockdown as cases have soared
- Victims of domestic abuse can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 at any time
Tesco has been praised for sharing the phone number for the Domestic Abuse helpline on its receipts.
A picture of a bill from the supermarket was shared on Twitter by journalist Scott Bryan, and was lauded as incredibly helpful and brave by social media users.
A message at the bottom of their receipts reads: ‘Help is available if you’re experiencing domestic abuse. Call the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 200 247. Download the Brightsky App.’
It comes as reports of domestic violence has surged since the start of lockdown.
A picture of a bill from the supermarket was shared on Twitter by journalist Scott Bryan , and was lauded as incredibly helpful and brave by social media users
‘Such a discreet and clever idea Tesco. So important to get support for people who need it’ one Twitter user wrote.
‘Clever and unfortunately needed’ added another.
‘Brilliant idea Tesco’ said a third. ‘Good on you Tesco’ write a fourth.
Social media users shared the receipt saying it was a ‘great idea’ and ‘brilliant initiative’
Discussing the initiative, a Tesco spokesman said: ‘Domestic abuse affects one in three women and one in six men during their lifetime.
‘By using our till receipts to provide information on where victims of domestic abuse can access support, we hope that more people will be able to get the help they need.’
It comes as Morrisons opened safe spaces for domestic violence victims to seek help in lockdown.
A message at the bottom of their receipts reads: ‘Help is available if you’re experiencing domestic abuse. Call the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 200 247. Download the Brightsky App.’
Last month, the supermarket will opened consulting rooms in their pharmacies across 117 stores in the UK where victims will be able to get advice from specially trained consultants.
The shop is working with the charity Hestia which has launched the UK SAYS NO MORE campaign as victims of domestic abuse are forced to isolate with perpetrators during lockdown.
Information about the safe spaces and where to get help will also be shared on posters and till receipts in all 494 Morrisons stores.
It comes as Morrisons opened safe spaces for domestic violence victims to seek help in lockdown
The move comes as the National Domestic Violence Helpline has reported a 25 per cent increase in calls and online requests for help since the lockdown began.
Lyndsey Dearlove, Head of UK SAYS NO MORE at Hestia told FEMAIL: ‘By offering access to help through their supermarkets Morrisons is offering a lifeline to many victims of domestic abuse.
‘Supermarket trips are part of a routine that, even during lockdown, provides a vital opportunity to seek help without raising the suspicions of an abusive partner or household member. The expansion of safe spaces into supermarkets could save lives.’
Domestic abuse reports sent to British police forces by Crimestoppers have surged by nearly 50 per cent during the coronavirus lockdown.
Figures show the charity sent 120 reports to forces in the week beginning April 6 – after restriction of movement rules came into force.
- Victims of domestic abuse can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 at any time.