Interesting - around here they have a code word that can be said to the pharmacist and they will know what to do (call the cops).

That's nice but it can't work in every circumstance. Perhaps the abusive spouse is a cop, for example, or someone with connections to the local government who would be likely to find out if the police were involved. Perhaps the victim simply isn't convinced that they would be taken seriously or receive sufficient (and timely) protection against retaliation. It's good that there is a system in place which should help the majority of victims, but sometimes unique circumstances call for unique solutions.