Nationwide has announced its support of crisis charity Hestia’s “UK says no more” campaign for victims of domestic abuse.
The building society’s endorsement comes as it promises to keep face-to-face contact with its clients by keeping branches open and offers a safe space for domestic abuse victims at over 400 of its branches.
Mandy Breech, director of retail services at Nationwide, said branches provide a vital, trusted service for customers to talk to advisers.
“We’re proud to actively take a stand against domestic abuse and protect and support not only our own customers but anyone within our communities who may be impacted,” she said.
All Nationwide branch colleagues have received specialised training to help spot signs of domestic abuse and to offer support to those affected, including helping them manage their finances.
In a recent poll, Nationwide found just under half (48%) of the population knew of a person experiencing domestic violence and 24% had personally experienced it.
A quarter of respondents said financial abuse was the root cause of abuse, according to the poll.
Safe Spaces, launched by Hestia, includes designated locations in the UK that anyone experiencing domestic abuse can use.
The spaces provide access to a phone and a discreet opportunity to contact family, friends, or specialist support.
Hestia is a charity that supports adults and children in times of crisis and is backed by banks such as HSBC and TSB.