Nationwide's Safe Space initiative extended to its website

The Online Safe Space initiative, which follows the provision of Safe Spaces across more than 430 Nationwide branches and over 40 Virgin Money branches, comes as domestic abuse continues to affect millions across the UK.

The tool, which can be used by anyone – not just customers – can be accessed through a link that can be found at bottom of every Nationwide.co.uk webpage and gives users access to support information, emergency contacts and domestic abuse resources. Crucially, it does this without leaving any browsing history and provides a quick exit function

Domestic abuse is increasingly linked to economic control, with abusers restricting access to money, monitoring spending and limiting financial independence. Research carried out by Nationwide, found that more than a quarter (26%) of people affected by domestic abuse said they had experienced financial abuse, while more than half (53%) said access to money was being controlled.

The Online Safe Space service builds on Nationwide's wider support for people experiencing domestic and economic abuse.

Safe Spaces in branches provide a private place to contact loved ones, support organisations or emergency services.

Access to a dedicated Specialist Support Team is also provided, with referrals to charities including Refuge, and works with partners including Hestia, Refuge and Surviving Economic Abuse to support victim survivors. Branch staff are trained to recognise the signs of abuse and help people access support.

Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability, said: “Domestic and economic abuse can leave people feeling trapped, isolated and cut off from the support they urgently need.

“Our Online Safe Space offers a discreet route to information and help. We want people to know that support is available in a way that is accessible to them, that they deserve to live free from abuse, and that help is there whenever they're ready to take that first step.”