Staffordshire and Cheshire's hairdressers and salons encouraged to spot domestic abuse
Staffordshire Police are asking professionals to spot the signs as many head back into the chair again
Last updated 15th Apr 2021
Hairdressers and beauticians in Staffordshire and Cheshire are being encouraged to be on the look out for signs of domestic abuse from their clients.
After domestic abuse cases surged over the pandemic, particularly in lockdown, Staffordshire Police are now backing #CutItOut - a national campaign that wants salons to be on the look out for victims.
It’s not always obvious if someone is suffering from domestic abuse and Staffordshire Police and the #CutItOut campaign indicate that salon staff are ideally placed to spot things other people might miss.
Stylists, beauty assistants, nail technicians and barbers all work in close proximity and build a sense of trust.
They are being asked to look out for hidden bruises, flinching, nervousness or receiving an excessive number of phone calls or texts whilst sat in the chair.
In addition to this, they're being asked to be aware of any changes in behaviour or things that are said that might point towards a controlling and coercive partner.
Sarah Gillies is a Senior Stylist at John Belfield International in Newcastle-under-Lyme. She said:
"We build relationships with our clients anyway. So if they do want to talk about any abuse they're going through, and they feel comfortable to do that with us - I think that's just part of our job. That is just what we do, as well as showing them how we are there for them and what we can do.
"We're happy to help people and talk to people and be there for people. If I spotted any signs or had any concerns, I would try to just have a normal conversation and see what they have been up to in the past few weeks and through lockdown, I would probably confide in my bosses John or Jonathan to make sure it's okay for me to approach such a sensitive subject with my client and then hopefully I could build up some trust with that person, so they feel comfortable enough to talk to me and confide in me about what they might be going through."
Julie Ann is also a Senior Stylist at John Belfield International. She said:
"Within a few short minutes of a client sitting in the chair; you normally get a feeling if something's wrong or bothering them.
"I think the relationship between client and hairdresser very quickly becomes more of a friendship. Usually you can get them talking about it because of the fact that we will work within the personal space.
"It's also easier to talk to people who are not related to you or in the same friendship circles, conversations can flow more freely."
What is domestic abuse?
According to the charity Women’s Aid, domestic abuse is “an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence.”
It’s either carried out by a current or former partner, a family member or a carer. It could include:
- Coercive control
- Psychological or emotional abuse
- Financial abuse
- Online abuse
- Harassment or stalking
- Physical or sexual abuse