TRAINING SESSIONS are being held across Worcestershire to help professional people spot signs of domestic abuse.
The workshops are being run by the South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership which has launched ‘The cut it out’ programme with Malvern Hills District Council.
The training takes place from 10am to midday on Monday, February 12, at The Council House, Avenue Road, Malvern and between 10am and midday on February 26 at The Guildhall, High Street, Worcester.
The project aims to raise awareness around the impact of domestic abuse and offers free training for workers who have a one-on-one relationship with clients, such as hair and beauty professionals, physiotherapists, chiropractors and tattooists.
The campaign was first launched in Norfolk following the murder of Kerri McAuley who was killed in 2017 by her partner.
She had told her hairdresser about the abuse, but the seriousness was not realised.
Statristics show one in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse at a point in their lives.
The training will cover several key topics, including insights into what domestic abuse entails and how it affects both adults and children.
Participants will learn how to identify signs of domestic abuse and what steps to take if a client discloses information.
The training will address strategies for initiating difficult conversations and posing necessary questions and highlight available services that can be recommended to clients who are victims of domestic abuse.
Those who complete the training will be given a ‘Cut it Out’ badge for their businesses to show clients it is a safe space.
Domestic abuse consultant Martin Lakeman, who is supporting the programme, said: “Our aim is that as many professionals have the opportunity to come to a free session and learn about what domestic abuse is and what they can do to recognise the signs, and signpost support to those that may be suffering abuse.
“Because of the close proximity certain professionals have, they will see things other people might not notice, people are more likely to talk to someone they trust about abuse rather than report it to the police.
“A salon for example may be the ideal place to seek help as it could be one of the few places their abuser will allow them to go or go without them.”
Visit malvernhills.gov.uk/domestic-abuse-support to find out more.
