- Virgin Money to offer Safe Spaces across 42 of its branches to support those impacted by domestic abuse
- Nationwide Group provides more Safe Spaces on the high-street than any other financial services organisation as it pledges to keep all branches open until at least 2030
- Research shows alcohol-related domestic abuse reports rose by 47 per cent on the day of an England victory at a World Cup or European Championship
- Nationwide backs Hestia’s #SupportIsATeamSport campaign and urges anyone experiencing abuse to reach out for support
Nationwide is rolling out domestic abuse Safe Spaces across 42 Virgin Money branches as part of a commitment to tackling physical and financial abuse. It will bring the total number across Nationwide’s branch network – the UK’s largest – to 475.
Safe Spaces are private, confidential areas in branches where anyone experiencing domestic abuse can access support, make calls to specialist charities, and find safety away from their abuser.
Hestia, the specialist domestic abuse charity that runs the safe space initiative nationally, has confirmed Nationwide now leads the financial services sector in physical safe space provision, with 475 locations available across Nationwide and Virgin Money branches, and 82 of these in locations where Nationwide are the last branch in town.
The announcement comes as England prepares for its first FIFA World Cup 2026 game this evening against Croatia. Statistics show that during Euro 2024, police forces recorded 351 domestic abuse incidents classified as football-related – an 82 per cent increase on the 193 recorded during Euro 2021.
Researchers at Warwick Business School separately found that alcohol-related domestic abuse reports rose by 47 per cent on the day of an England victory at a World Cup or European Championship – meaning a win offers no protection for survivors.
Support for people impacted by domestic abuse:
Throughout the World Cup, Nationwide is backing Hestia’s #SupportIsATeamSport campaign, which encourages people to recognise the signs of abuse and download Bright Sky – a free, confidential app offering practical advice and access to local and national support services. The app also helps users find their nearest Nationwide or Virgin Money Safe Space and provides guidance on how to support someone safely. Customers can also locate their nearest Nationwide Safe Space using Nationwide’s Branch Finder.
Alongside its expanded Safe Spaces network, Nationwide offers a comprehensive package of support for those experiencing abuse, including a partnership with leading domestic abuse charity Refuge, providing specialist advice and emergency support. People can also access Shout, a free 24/7 confidential mental health text service, available around the clock.
For those experiencing financial and economic abuse – one of the most controlling forms of domestic abuse – Nationwide has introduced a pioneering in-app payment reference blocking feature, enabling survivors to stop seeing abusers threatening or coercive messages through bank transfers.
Mandy Beech, Director of Retail Services at Nationwide, said: “We urge anyone experiencing abuse to reach out – our in-branch Safe Spaces are here to support you.
“We know that a bank or building society might not be the most obvious or conventional place to turn in a moment of crisis, but through our charity partners and the tools we have built, there are real, practical things we can do to help people get the support they need.
“Colleagues across more than 600 branches have participated in our domestic abuse awareness training, because no one should face this alone.”
Sue Harper, Deputy Director | Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Prevention at Hestia said: “Hestia’s Support is a Team Sport campaign shines a light on domestic abuse during men’s football tournaments.
“While football does not cause abuse, we know that existing abusive behaviour often intensifies on match days. Heightened emotions and increased alcohol consumption can escalate harm, leaving victim-survivors dreading match days and feeling unsafe in their own homes.
“This summer, we all have a role to play. We can help people feel less alone and ensure they get the support they need. That means being alert to the signs of abuse, downloading the Bright Sky app, and checking in on those who may be at risk- before, during and after games”.
Anyone concerned about themselves or someone they know can visit a Nationwide or Virgin Money branch Safe Space, text Shout – the free mental health text service – on 85258, contact Refuge at nationaldahelpline.org.uk, or call them on 0808 2000 247.
