Nationwide today launches an online tool to help victims of domestic abuse discreetly access vital support without leaving a trail on their computer or phone.
The Online Safe Space initiative, which follows the launch 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.
According to Office for National Statistics figures, an estimated 3.8 million adults experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in the 12 months to March 2025, with women disproportionately affected and around one in four adults having experienced abuse since the age of 16. Disabled people were more than twice as likely to be affected as those without a disability, with prevalence rates of 9.2 per cent compared with 3.9 per cent.
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 controlled2.
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.
Nationwide also provides access to a dedicated Specialist Support Team, referrals to charities including Refuge, and works with partners including Hestia, Refuge and Surviving Economic Abuse to support victim survivors. Branch colleagues are trained to recognise the signs of abuse and help people access support. Safe Spaces are available to everyone, whether or not they are a Nationwide customer.
Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Nationwide, said: “Domestic and economic abuse can leave people feeling trapped, isolated and cut off from the support they urgently need. 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.
“Our Online Safe Space offers a discreet route to information and help, building on the support already available through our branches, Specialist Support Team and charity partnerships. 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.”
Patrick Ryan, Chief Executive of Hestia, said: “Nationwide’s new Online Safe Space will complement our in-branch Safe Spaces, which offer a safe and discreet way to contact loved ones or specialist support services. Our Lived Experience Panel was instrumental in shaping this new online service, ensuring that this is not simply a tool designed for survivors, but one designed with their experiences at its heart. We are pleased to work closely with Nationwide to create more safe, accessible routes to support, which is an important step towards helping people experiencing domestic abuse find the safety they deserve.”
