From today, women who are experiencing domestic violence can go into their local Boots pharmacy and access a 'Safe Space' in a consultation room.
In this confidential space, they can contact one of the 39 frontline specialist domestic abuse services across the country and access free, confidential support and advice.
There has been a 20-30% increase in calls to gardaí about domestic violence since the coronavirus outbreak began. Boots Ireland is operating the 'Safe Space' initiative, in partnership with Safe Ireland, at its 88 Boots stores around the country.
Safe Ireland Co-CEO Mary McDermott said victims of domestic abuse are being forced to chose between the threat of infection and the threat of abuse.