NatWest to offer safe spaces in over 360 bank branches to help people in abuse

08 March 2024 , 11:22

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NatWest will offer a safe space in many of their branches to people experiencing abuse (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

NatWest is helping victims of domesitc and economic abuse by offering them a safe place in over 360 of their bank branches.

They made the announcement during the UK Says No More Week, from March 3 to 9, which raises awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence, and also co-incides with International Women's Day on March 8.

The charity Hestia started the idea of safe spaces with the idea of creating special where where anyone sufffering domestic abuse can find a safe haven. They are located in NatWest banks, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, which are part of the same group. If someone needs a safe space, they just have to ask one of the bank workers.

Then they can go to a private room to think and get help. They can use a phone if they need to call someone like family, friends, or a group who could offer support. Staff at NatWest banks have learned a lot about safe spaces and how to understand when someone is suffering from abuse.

Raghu Narula, MD of customer engagement and distribution, retail banking at NatWest Group, said: "We know that people from all walks of life can experience economic and domestic abuse. As a bank it's really important to be playing a part in helping not only our own customers, but people within our communities who need help by providing a safe space where they can go and access support safely."

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Patrick Ryan, chief executive at Hestia, said: "Having a safe place to seek support is vital for victims of domestic abuse. One in five people in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. By bringing our safe spaces to everyday places like banks and pharmacies, it means that anyone experiencing domestic abuse has the chance to access specialist help and advice, or to call a loved one."

Other big high street names have made similar announcements. In January, Nationwide Building Society said that it will offer safe spaces to people experiencing domestic abuse at more than 400 branches across the UK. HSBC UK, which already operates safe spaces, recently reported that the bank recorded an increase in their use during the winter months.

The bank joined Hestia's safe spaces scheme in April 2022. HSBC UK has also previously said it experiences an average of two customer calls per day mentioning domestic or financial abuse.

TSB joined the scheme in May 2021 and it also offers an emergency flee fund, making a payment of between £50 to £500, depending on individual needs, to support domestic abuse survivors. People can find their nearest safe space at uksaysnomore.org/safespaces.

Lawrence Matheson