Shops are being encouraged to take part in a campaign that supports domestic abuse victims by giving them a secret means of accessing help.

The initiative, led by Brent Council, allows those at risk of domestic violence to get receipts printed with advice on where to seek help.

According to the council, these receipts can be kept as an innocent record of expenditure without raising too much suspicion with a perpetrator.

It added that visiting shops might be the only excuse for victims to leave the house while lockdown restrictions are in place.

Details of how to obtain a special receipt will be printed on multi-lingual posters – bearing the tagline ‘lockdown is no excuse for domestic abuse’ – in supermarkets, pharmacies and other businesses in the borough.

Cllr Tom Miller, responsible for community safety and engagement at Brent Council, said: “We are calling on businesses that are open at present, to help us with this very important and very urgent campaign.

“Victims face real risks over the coming weeks and months as the ripple effects of job losses and financial pressures begin to bite.

“We know that for many, home will be a very dangerous place right now. As the campaign states, there is absolutely no excuse for domestic abuse.

“We want families to know that we will work with them to secure all the help and support they need to be free of their perpetrator and to ensure they are looked after and kept safe.

“We need the message out there – and we need your help to do that. Many of these victims will be your loyal, regular customers and we’re counting on you to reach them during this crisis.”

The council explained that the posters and till roll receipts are free to businesses that sign up to the campaign.

Those interested should email cathy.hickey@brent.gov.uk for more information.