Sessions to help hair and beauty staff support victims of domestic abuse
Free training is now available to help ensure hair and beauty staff know what to do if they suspect a client or colleague is at risk of or suffering from domestic abuse.
The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership and Oxfordshire charity Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse are running a series of free online training sessions for people in the hair and beauty industry to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
The events, called ‘Transformations – changing our response to domestic abuse’, is now available for anyone working across Oxfordshire in hair and beauty, including nail bars, tattooists and ear-piercing establishments.
Domestic abuse affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime, so it’s very important that people know how they can support those affected.
For more information and to register visit – southandvale.gov.uk/youcanhelp.
Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “If someone is being abused at home or in a situation that’s unsafe, it’s vital that they are able to get help. Ensuring hair and beauty staff know how to spot the signs of domestic abuse, and how to offer support, will increase awareness of the help that is available for those in abusive relationships.”
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet member for community wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “People in the hair and beauty industry offer a friendly face and chat to clients throughout their appointment, so could offer a vital lifeline to someone who may be at risk. It is so important that victims who are in an abusive home know that help is available.”
Michelle Plaisted-Kerr, from Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse, said: “This free event is a great opportunity for professionals within the beauty trade to equip themselves with the understanding and info to support their clients. Reducing the Risk is committed to supporting all parts of the community to stand up to domestic abuse”
For advice and support on domestic abuse please call Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Service’s Helpline number 0800 731 0055 (Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-4) or visit Reducing the Risk’s website reducingtherisk.org.uk
