As a domestic abuse survivor and a professional with over 20 years social work experience who has had the privilege of assisting thousands of individuals grappling with similar ordeals, I am  aware of the relentless anxiety that confronts victims day in and day out.

 it is a constant and haunting reality that can turn a simple trip to the pharmacy into a potentially life-threatening encounter. Right now, victims of domestic abuse, coercive control, harassment, or stalking are often required to disclose personal details, including their address, when picking up medication. This process can inadvertently expose their location to aggressors, further endangering their safety.

Statistics reveal that one in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence at some point in their lifetimes, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

For these individuals, privacy is about survival. Ensuring that pharmacies do not require victims to disclose personal information could save lives and grant much-needed peace of mind.

The solution involves implementing a policy where victims of domestic abuse, coercive control, harassment, or stalking are exempt from mandatory disclosure requirements at pharmacies. This can be achieved by issuing a unique identification code or card that protects their privacy without compromising the process of verifying their prescriptions. By working with healthcare authorities and pharmacy networks, we can design a system that is both secure and humane.

The time has come for us to recognise the urgent need for change.

Join me in urging lawmakers and healthcare providers to adopt these necessary protocols that would prevent further risk and hardship for those who are already suffering. Sign this petition to demand action and help protect the privacy and security of victims today.