Ask for Annie
What Is Ask for Annie? A discreet way to get help in a pharmacy if you’re experiencing domestic abuse
If you are feeling scared, unsafe, or trapped at home because of someone you live with or someone close to you, you are not alone. There is help out there, and you deserve to be safe.
Ask for Annie is a quiet and safe way to get support without having to explain everything on the spot
What Is Ask for Annie? A discreet way to get help in a pharmacy if you’re experiencing domestic abuse
If you are feeling scared, unsafe, or trapped at home because of someone you live with or someone close to you, you are not alone. There is help out there, and you deserve to be safe.
Ask for Annie is a quiet and safe way to get support without having to explain everything on the spot.
How it works
If you are experiencing domestic abuse - whether that’s physical violence, sexual, emotional control, coercive threats, or fear - you can go into a pharmacy or community support location and simply say:
“Is Annie in today?”
That short phrase is a code word. It lets trained staff know that you need a safe, private space and someone to talk to.
You do not need to say anything else. You do not need to be alone. You do not need to explain yourself in front of anyone you might be with. Just say those words:
“Is Annie in?”
What happens next?
When you say the code word, a staff member will take you to a private space where they can talk to you in confidence.
They will listen without judgment, and they can help connect you with support - whether that’s a local domestic abuse service, a helpline, or the police, if that’s what you want.
You stay in control.
You decide what you need.
You will not be forced to do anything you’re not ready for.
Why this matters
Living with domestic abuse can feel overwhelming and isolating. You may feel like you are walking on eggshells or constantly being watched. It is not always easy - or even safe - to make a phone call or reach out for help at home.
Ask for Annie gives you a chance to ask for help without raising alarm. Pharmacies are everyday places where people come and go freely. That’s why they’ve become a safe point for support.
You can use Ask for Annie at any time during pharmacy opening hours, and many other community locations are beginning to use the initiative too.
Who can use it?
Anyone. Any gender. Any age.
Whether it is your partner, a parent, family member, or housemate who’s making you feel unsafe - if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for help.
You are not alone
If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is abuse, that’s okay too. Abuse does not have to leave bruises. If someone is controlling your choices, putting you down, making you feel afraid, or stopping you from seeing people - your feelings are valid, and there is support for you.
Need support now?
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
If speaking is unsafe, you can press 55 after calling 999 when the operator answers, and they will know you need help.
You can also call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 – it is free, confidential, and open 24/7.
You deserve to be safe
Ask for Annie is there for you - quietly, safely, and without judgment.
You do not have to go through this alone.
Ask for Angela
What is Ask for Angela?
Ask for Angela is a safety initiative designed to help anyone who feels uncomfortable, unsafe, or threatened when they’re out in bars, clubs, or venues across the UK. Whether you’re on a date, meeting someone new, or find yourself in any situation that just doesn’t feel right, you can discreetly approach venue staff and “Ask for Angela.” This simple code phrase lets staff know you need help.
How it works
If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, go to a member of staff at the venue (bar staff, door staff, or any employee on site) and simply ask for “Angela.”
• You don’t need to explain what’s happening.
• Staff are trained to recognise this request as a signal that you need help.
• They will move you to a safer space and offer the support you need.
What happens next?
Once you’ve asked for Angela:
• Staff may help you leave discreetly, call a taxi, or contact a friend or family member.
• If necessary, they can alert security or call the police.
• You will not be judged or asked to justify your feelings – the focus is on keeping you safe.
Why it matters
Everyone has the right to feel safe when they’re out. Sometimes it can be hard to know how to leave an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, especially if you’re with someone you don’t know well. Ask for Angela provides a simple, discreet way to get help from trained staff without having to explain yourself in the moment.
You are not alone
If you’ve felt unsafe or threatened, it’s important to know you are not alone. The Ask for Angela initiative exists to help people in these situations, and venue staff are there to support you without judgement.
Need support now?
• If you are in immediate danger, call 999 for emergency assistance.
• For confidential advice and support, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (open 24/7).