Greater Anglia has made its website a ‘Safe Space’ for survivors of domestic abuse. Online ‘Safe Spaces’ are untraceable web pages with information on specialist domestic abuse support services, national helplines and other resources developed by the charity, UK SAYS NO MORE. The train operator has added the charity’s ‘Safe Space’ widget to its home page at greateranglia.co.uk to enable those experiencing domestic abuse to discreetly access support and information while carrying out daily online tasks. The ‘Safe Space’ webpage does not appear in internet browsing history and has a quick exit function. It can also be read in most languages using a quick access translation tool. Greater Anglia’s Commercial, Customer Service and Train Presentation Director, said, “Christmas can be a time of year when incidences of domestic abuse increase. As charities prepare for an increase in cases, we want to use our services to help those affected to escape abuse.” In addition, Greater Anglia, along with train companies across the country, offers free train travel for survivors of domestic abuse who are travelling to refuge accommodation. This is done through the ‘Rail to Refuge’ scheme, a partnership between the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, and Women’s Aid Federation England, Welsh Women’s Aid, Scottish Womens’ Aid and Imkaan. Survivors of domestic abuse who would like to access the Rail to Refuge scheme, or need other support, can get in touch with Women’s Aid through their Live Chat service, open Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm: https://chat.womensaid.org.uk
