" Mask 19 "

 Domestic Violence Isn’t Just Physical: Know The Signs

In Spain and France, victims of domestic violence have been asked to go to pharmacies and use a certain safe word. This will alert the staff that they need help and the proper steps will follow. The word they are using is “Mask 19” and when uttered to a pharmacist, it will prompt them to alert the police that you need assistance.

" Mask Nineteen " in French (masque dix-neuf), in Spanish ( máscara diecinueve).

Spain was the first country to think of this idea, and France was quick to follow. A woman in France was the first person to use this tactic after her government launched this initiative. She told the pharmacist that her partner had abused her, and he was quickly arrested by police.

 Currently, there are no initiatives in the US state to start a procedure like this, but we hope that it chances. An initiative like this could literally be the difference between life and death.

The number of domestic violence cases and calls into the hotline has increased already, from multiple different cities in the US. Shelters are all at capacity, due to the quarantine method as well, leaving victims feeling completely trapped.