Monday October 12th 2026
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A new online tool has been launched to help people experiencing domestic abuse discreetly access support and advice without leaving a browsing history on their device.
Nationwide has introduced its Online Safe Space initiative, providing access to support information, emergency contacts and domestic abuse resources through a link at the bottom of every page on its website.
The tool is available to everyone, regardless of whether they are a Nationwide customer, and includes a quick exit function for users who need to leave the page quickly.
The launch builds on the bank’s existing Safe Spaces scheme, which provides private areas in more than 430 Nationwide branches and over 40 Virgin Money branches where people can contact loved ones, specialist support organisations or emergency services.
The initiative comes amid the continued prevalence of domestic abuse across the UK.
Office for National Statistics figures estimate that 3.8 million adults experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in the year to March 2025. Around one in four adults have experienced abuse since the age of 16, with women disproportionately affected.
Disabled people were more than twice as likely to experience domestic abuse as those without a disability, with prevalence rates of 9.2% and 3.9% respectively.
Financial control can also be a significant part of domestic abuse, with perpetrators restricting access to money, monitoring spending and limiting financial independence.
Research carried out by Nationwide found that 26% of people affected by domestic abuse had experienced financial abuse, while 53% said their access to money was controlled.
The Online Safe Space forms part of Nationwide’s wider support for people experiencing domestic and economic abuse.
The organisation also provides access to a dedicated Specialist Support Team, referrals to charities including Refuge, and works with organisations such as Hestia and Surviving Economic Abuse.
Branch colleagues are trained to recognise signs of abuse and help people access support, with in-branch Safe Spaces available to customers and non-customers alike.
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide’s head of customer vulnerability, said domestic and economic abuse could leave people feeling isolated and cut off from help.
“Seeking help is often the hardest step, which is why it’s so important that support is easy to access and available in a way that feels safe,” she said.
She added that the new online service provided another discreet route to information and assistance, alongside existing branch services and charity partnerships.
Patrick Ryan, chief executive of Hestia, said the online tool would complement the in-branch Safe Spaces scheme.
He said Hestia’s Lived Experience Panel had helped shape the service to ensure it was developed with the experiences of survivors at its heart.
The partnership aims to create more accessible routes to support for people experiencing domestic abuse.
Tweet Share on Facebook
