Hairdressers and beauticians in the South West given domestic abuse training
A South West charity is offering free sessions to help salon workers spot the signs of abuse.
Charity FearFree says for many victims hairdressers are a safe space where they feel comfortable talking about issues to someone they trust.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. But victims often struggle to speak out about abuse.
The charity says training could change the life of someone in an abusive relationship. Whilst also leaving hairdressers, barbers, and beauticians feeling more confident talking about these issues if a client brings it up. It will also equip them with the knowledge of what to do to best help that individual.
A father from Gloucester, Nick Gazzard, who lost his daughter in 2014 after she was murdered by an obsessive ex-boyfriend, says the training would be vital. Hollie Gazzard worked as a hairdresser herself, had colleagues in her salon had this training Nick believes it could of made a difference.
Nick said: "Individuals who suffer from abuse often don't tell their next of kin but they would tell their hairdresser, and it's really great if we can educate hairdressers and beauticians about what to look out for."
"I believe if Hollie or her counterparts in the salon had had that training then I think we might of had a different outcome."
The training follows the existing national campaign 'Cut it Out'. This was launched in Norfolk following the death of Kerri McAuley who was killed in 2017 by her abusive partner. Before her death, Kerri had disclosed to her hairdresser that she was the victim of abuse and said that she thought her ex-partner was going to kill her, but the seriousness of this comment was not realised.
The campaign recognises that a hairdresser, barber, or beauty therapist is in a position of privilege with their client, not only working physically close to them but also, they are often someone trusted to talk to or confide in.