Safe Pharmacy

Safe Place, Safe Phone

To offer all those experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control access to domestic violence support services through the use of a safe phone, in a safe place, within their community pharmacy

Safe Pharmacy Introduction

Safe Pharmacy Overview

Contact Support for victims

Safe Pharmacy Resources

Safe Pharmacy FAQs

Safe Pharmacy in Media

IPU Safe Pharmacy Service Wins International Award

Safe Pharmacy, the domestic abuse support service led by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), was awarded the FIP (International Pharmaceutical Federation) Health Promotion Campaign Award in 2023.

Safe Pharmacy, Understanding Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

This course is certified by Awarding Training and Higher Education (ATHE). The cost to complete this course is fully sponsored by the IPU (sponsored courses are limited). We encourage all our Safe Pharmacy Champions and their colleagues to avail of this course.

Have you nominated your Safe Pharmacy Champion?

Safe Pharmacy is an IPU-led service that enables people experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control to receive support in their local pharmacy.

For further information or any queries, please contact

Safe Pharmacy – all you need to know

The Safe Pharmacy service is led by the Irish Pharmacy Union in partnership with An Garda Síochána, the HSE and Safe Ireland. This service provides information, contact details, safe, private space and means to access additional support from An Garda Síochána and specialist domestic violence services within communities.

Domestic abuse is the physical, sexual, financial, emotional or psychological abuse of one person against another who is a family member or is or has been an intimate partner, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Domestic abuse crosses class, gender, race and religious belief.[1]

[1] https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/domestic-abuse/what-is-coercive-control-.html

Coercive control is a persistent pattern of controlling, coercive and threatening behaviour including all or some forms of domestic abuse (emotional, physical, financial, sexual including threats) by a boyfriend/girlfriend, partner, husband/wife or ex-partner.[2]

[2] https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/domestic-abuse/what-is-coercive-control-.html

A 2005 survey by the National Crime Council and the ESRI found that 15% of women and 6% of men have experienced severe abuse by a current or former partner in their lifetime. [3]

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2014) Violence Against Women: An EU-wide survey [4] found that:

  • 31% of Irish women experienced psychological abuse in a relationship.
  • 15% of Irish women experienced physical and/or sexual abuse in a relationship

[3] National Crime Council and ESRI (2005).

[4] European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2014) Violence Against Women: An EU-wide survey.

In excess of 61,000 domestic abuse related contacts were received by An Garda Síochána in 2024 – a 9% increase over the same period in 2023.

[5] https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/press-releases/2024/december/garda-national-protective-services-bureau-briefing-on-this-year-s-developments-including-domestic-violence-20th-december-2024.html

Safe Ireland members collected data pertaining to women and children they were supporting from March to December 2020 and produced two reports called Tracking the Shadow Pandemic both of which can be found on the Safe Ireland website[6] [7]

  • From March to December 2020 over 5,895 women and over 1,085 children contacted a domestic violence service for the first time
  • On average over 2,000 women and 500 children received support from a domestic violence service 
  • 57,277 helpline calls were answered – approximately 190 calls every day.
  • 2,159 requests for refuge could not be met as there was no available space – approximately 8 requests per day

[6] https://www.safeireland.ie/policy-publications/#dflip-df_8398/1/

[7] https://www.safeireland.ie/policy-publications/#dflip-df_8221/1/

Victims may be fearful of the abuser. They may be fearful of the consequences of disclosing abuse, e.g.have their children taken away.  They may fear being judged/ negatively evaluated by either the Health Care Professional (HCP) or their environment, i.e., their family, friends, neighbours, acquaintances , or not being believed.  They may fear that confidentiality would be broken by the health service personnel and that there may be a lack of privacy.

Victims’ perceptions of whether the HCP could handle their disclosure also acts as a barrier, specifically perceiving the HCP to have low capability to help them.  Personal barriers such as low self-esteem, feelings of shame, embarrassment, guilt and powerlessness also prevent victims from disclosing.

Sometimes victims do not disclose because they were at the time unaware that they were experiencing abuse, think that the abuse was normal, and something that they just tolerate in a relationship.

Other reasons victims are reluctant to disclose are being in denial, not being ready to leave their abuser, not being financially dependent, lacking social support, and trying to avoid reliving the trauma by not speaking about the abuse.

Victims are also not always aware of their rights in terms of what choices or support they could gain by telling the HCP about abuse.

Those experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control may have difficulty making contact safely with the support they need while they are at home. Their movements and access to phones may be monitored and limited.

Pharmacies are located throughout Ireland, making them highly accessible to people in all communities and widely utilised by the population.

Pharmacies are a trusted and integral part of our communities, staffed by highly trained, compassionate, and discreet professionals.

 

If a victim presents at the pharmacy, they will be taken to the consultation room and given access to the contact details of, and/or access to a phone, to call An Garda Síochána or a specialist domestic violence service. Or they may use the phone to reach out to family or friends. The pharmacist is not there to advise, counsel or offer a solution. They are there to offer a safe place as a first step in their path to recovery. The pharmacy acts as a gateway to domestic violence support services.

  1. Offer a private space

If the person is alone, respond by offering to accompany them to the consultation room. If they’re with another adult, ask if they are able to come to the consultation room on their own.

  1. Explain confidentiality

Explain how you will treat information disclosed to you or in front of you.

  1. Explain what you can offer

Explain that you can help them access immediate support  from An Garda Síochána or their local specialist domestic violence service.

  1. Ask what they would like to happen

Confirm whether they would like a Garda response or support from their local support service. Ask if they are comfortable making the call or if they would prefer you to make the call on their behalf. Ask if they would like you to stay with them or leave.

  1. Offer the phone to make the call

Call An Garda Síochána on 999 or your local specialist domestic violence service.  If the individual is able to make the call, provide a phone and the relevant number. If they want you to make the call, explain to the call handler that you are calling on behalf of someone using the Safe Pharmacy Service.

  1. Report the incident
 
  1. Debrief with a colleague
 

To protect your wellbeing, talk to someone you trust about your experience and be kind to yourself. You may also avail of VHI Counselling Service available to all staff.

  • I hear what you’re saying. However, I can help you contact a domestic violence service expert
  • What I can do is give you the telephone number for a specialist service closest to where you live, where you can get the confidential and professional help and support you need.
  • You can use this phone to dial the number or I can dial it for you.
  • This room is completely secure and confidential. You can take as long as you need to.
  • Is this ok with you?
  • You can leave the phone in here after you have finished.

Pharmacies agree to sign up to the Safe Pharmacy service and nominate a champion. The champion can be the Pharmacist, Pharmacy technician or any front of shop member of the team. 

The person(s) nominated in the pharmacy, i.e. The Safe Pharmacy Champion registers their pharmacy here  giving the pharmacy contact details and permission to share these details with An Garda Siochana.  Once this is completed a starter pack will be sent to the pharmacy.

The Safe Pharmacy Champion needs to complete the training course,

“Safe Pharmacy, Understanding Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

This course is certified by ATHE (Awards for Training and Higher Education).

Each student must register here they will need to go to the cart and “buy” the course, but there is no charge at the checkout.

On completion of this course each student will receive a Digital Badge from ATHE.  The cost to complete this course is fully sponsored by the IPU. We encourage all our Safe Pharmacy Champions and their colleagues to avail of this training.

The champion must make all staff aware of the service and procedure. Refresh regularly.

Display Safe Pharmacy posters, Stickers and Decal

Develop/refresh referral pathways to local Gardaí and specialist domestic violence service(s).

The helpline numbers and contact details of the Specialist DV services will be provided to each Safe Pharmacy. AGS and DV services will be advised of the contact details of each participating Safe Pharmacy. In case that the Garda needs to be called, please dial 999.

Provide ongoing training and regular supervision for staff who may be asking people about domestic violence and abuse.

Establish clear policies and procedures for staff who have been affected by domestic violence and abuse. Ensure staff have the opportunity to address issues relating to their own personal experiences, as well as those that may arise after contact with customers.

 

safe-pharmacy-males

Support for Male Victims

Safe Pharmacy Resources

An introduction to, Safe Pharmacy Webinar was hosted by the IPU .The video recording is below and the slides form the presentation can be found at the bottom of this page.  

Second webinar where Lisa Marmion from Safe Ireland addressed the matters of domestic violence and coercive control. 

Article on RTE about Safe Pharmacy

Article on Dublin Gazette

Article on Independent Westmeath

Listen to the RTE programme about Safe Pharmacy

Article on Irish Times

Safe Pharmacy articles in the media

File TypeImageTitlepost_modifiedFile LinkPost URL
File TypeInitiative to help victims of domestic abuse launched in pharmacies in Tipp. Tipperary StarInitiative to help victims of domestic abuse launched in pharmacies in Tipp. Tipperary Star16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=119013Safe Pharmacy Articles
File TypeLocal pharmacies support domestic abuse victimsLocal pharmacies support domestic abuse victims16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=119010Safe Pharmacy Articles
File TypeNew Initiative to help victims of domestic abuse launched in pharmacies. Dublin GazetteNew Initiative to help victims of domestic abuse launched in pharmacies. Dublin Gazette16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=119008Safe Pharmacy Articles
File TypeSignposting a safe place. Connacht TribuneSignposting a safe place. Connacht Tribune16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=119005Safe Pharmacy Articles
File TypeNew Initiative to help victims of domestic abuse launched in pharmaciesNew Initiative to help victims of domestic abuse launched in pharmacies16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=119001Safe Pharmacy Articles
File TypePharmacies in Sligo join service to help people experiencing domestic abuse. Sligo WeekenderPharmacies in Sligo join service to help people experiencing domestic abuse. Sligo Weekender16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=118998Safe Pharmacy Articles
File TypePharmacies offer support to domestic abuse victims. Donegal PostPharmacies offer support to domestic abuse victims. Donegal Post16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=118994Safe Pharmacy Articles
File TypeNew New "Safe Pharmacy Initiative will help victims of domestic violence16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=118989Safe Pharmacy Articles
File TypeWicklow pharmacies join initiative to support domestic abuse victimsWicklow pharmacies join initiative to support domestic abuse victims16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=118983Safe Pharmacy Articles
File TypeSafe Pharmacy Initiative Launch Vital Support for Domestic Abuse VictimsSafe Pharmacy Initiative Launch Vital Support for Domestic Abuse Victims16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=118962Safe Pharmacy Articles
File TypePharmacy's Sage Haven for domestic violence victimsPharmacy's Sage Haven for domestic violence victims16 February 2023https://ipu.ie/?post_type=ipu_document&p=118959Safe Pharmacy Articles

MSS Webinar Recording – Understanding the New Domestic Violence Leave

Joyce Mulpeter, Relationship Manager and Tara Kelly, Medicines Information Pharmacist joined Tara Daly, Manager Director at MSS, The HR People, on a webinar entitled ‘Understanding the New Domestic Violence Leave’.  Recent updates to the Work-Life Balance Act now mandate that employers offer paid leave to support employees dealing with the impact of domestic violence. On this webinar, Tara Daly brings you through the requirements and best practice guidelines for handling domestic violence leave requests.

Joyce and Tara joined to share their experience with the Safe Pharmacy Service.

A recording of the webinar can be viewed here

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