NEWS: Training sessions for professionals in Worcestershire to help spot domestic abuse signs

Training sessions are being held across the county to help professionals spot signs of domestic abuse with their clients.

The Cut It Out initiative has been launched by the South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, which Malvern Hills District Council is a part of.

It is also supported by Martin Lakeman (Domestic Abuse Consultant), Heart of Worcestershire College, Parkinson Wrights Solicitors, and Worcester BID.

With one in four women and one in six men experiencing domestic abuse at some point in their life, the Cut It Out campaign was first launched in Norfolk following the murder 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 reached out for support, but the seriousness wasn’t realised.

The initiative aims to raise awareness around the devastating impact of domestic abuse and offers free training for all professionals who have a unique, one on one trusting relationship with its clients, such as hair and beauty professionals, physiotherapists, chiropractors, tattooists etc.

Everyone who takes part in the training will receive a Cut It Out badge for their business windows or mirrors to show that it is a safe space.

They will also receive a pin badge which is a great way to start a conversation, it gives the opportunity to talk about the training they have completed and then offer support services if a client needs it.

Training takes place on:

• Monday 12 February at The Council House, Avenue Road, Malvern, WR14 3AF – 10am to 12pm.
• Monday 26 February at The Guildhall, High Street, Worcester, WR1 2EY – 10am to 12pm.

Training will include information on:

• What domestic abuse is and its impact on adults and children.
• How to recognise the signs of domestic abuse in clients.
• What to do if a client says they're being abused.
• How to have that difficult conversation and ask the question.
• Which services you can signpost clients to who are victims of domestic abuse.
• Examine why it’s so difficult to leave an abusive relationship.

Cllr Natalie McVey, Responsible for Community Safety at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “These events are a great way to gain awareness and confidence around a challenging, and emotive subject. Hair and beauty professionals are often trusted people in our lives, so this will give them the opportunity to reach out to those who may not know who to turn to”

Martin Lakeman, Domestic Abuse Consultant, 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 www.malvernhills.gov.uk/domestic-abuse-support to find event details and to register.

Date published: 5 February 2024