How Bucks' hairdressers could help domestic abuse victims
Thames Valley Police are expanding their 'Cut It Out' campaign founded in 2017
Hairdressers, barbers and beauty therapists in the Thames Valley could be the key, for some, to get help with domestic abuse.
Often they're in a position of trust, with victims able to talk about what's going on - they can also see physical signs.
Now, Thames Valley Police are expanding their 'Cut It Out' campaign - with an online toolkit to help trainee hairdressers and barbers.
The campaign was founded in 2017 when Kerri McAuley was murdered by her abusive partner, a few weeks after confessing she feared for her life to a hair dresser.
Since then hair dressers and barbers have ben educated in domestic abuse awareness, how to speak to potential victims and signpost support services.
Today a new branch to the campaign is being launched by Thames Valley Police and Activate Learning.
Sergeant Claire Furness, working with the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit, saw the opportunity to take the campaign further and reach trainees in the hair and beauty industry:
“I’m passionate in tackling domestic abuse, which causes misery and claims lives. Sadly, there are many hidden victims, often suffering for years before reaching out for help.
“This is why everyone in our community has a role to play; professionals from hair-dressers to plumbers, from employers to neighbours. Anyone who may see something that they feel isn’t right, or who have a trusted relationship and can provide advice and help someone escape abuse.
“We hope that this training will empower more people to spot the signs and to give that support. Together we can cut out domestic abuse.
"To those people in the industry make everything open in your environment. You are trusted in your profession.
"It is about getting support for those people, male, female, people from the LGBTQ community the support is far reaching and it is out there."
The campaign already has a number of supporters, from politicians to police offices.
Today Nicky Clarke, hair stylist and co-owner of Nicky Clarke Hairdressing, has shared his support for the new resources at the launch in Oxford:
“Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit’s initiative to train hair and beauty students to spot the signs of domestic abuse has my full support.
“Hairdressers have an incredibly unique position of trust with our clients because of the relationship we build with them and it is so important for us to learn how we could potentially help in situations of domestic abuse.
“I will definitely be partaking in and encouraging my staff to complete the training to help wherever we can.”