Famous stylist backs campaign to train hairdressers in Thames Valley to spot domestic abuse

IInternationally famous hairstylist and brand owner Nicky Clarke is supporting the Cut It Out campaign, promoting domestic abuse awareness across the hair and beauty industry.
Renowned hairstylist Nicky Clarke at the launchRenowned hairstylist Nicky Clarke at the launch
Renowned hairstylist Nicky Clarke at the launch

Nicky Clarke attended the launch of a new training programme developed by the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit for students of hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapies - to help them spot the signs of domestic abuse and to support their clients to report violence and seek help.

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 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 reached out for support, but the seriousness of the situation wasn’t grasped.

The Cut It Out campaign recognises that a hairdresser, barber or beauty therapist is in a position of privilege with their client, and very often is someone trusted toconfide in.

Sergeant Claire Furness, working with the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit, saw the opportunity to take the campaign further and reach the hair and beauty industry at the earliest stage through their training at local colleges.

The training content was first developed with Milton Keynes College. Activate Learning has gone on to develop an online training resource which is now freely available via its website to all other colleges and any professional working in the industry.

Sgt Furness said: “I’m passionate in tackling domestic abuse, which causes misery and claims lives. Sadly, there are many hidden victims, often suffering for years before reaching out for help.

“This is why everyone in our community has a role to play - professionals from hairdressers to plumbers, from employers to neighbours. Anyone who may see something that they feel isn’t right, or who have a trusted relationship and can provide advice and help someone escape abuse.

“We hope that this training will empower more people to spot the signs and to give that support. Together we can cut out domestic abuse.”

Nicky Clarke said: “Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit’s initiative to train hair and beauty students to spot the signs of domestic abuse has my full support.

“Hairdressers have an incredibly unique position of trust with our clients because of the relationship we build with them and it is so important for us to learn how we could potentially help in situations of domestic abuse.

“I will definitely be partaking in and encouraging my staff to complete the training to help wherever we can.”

The online training is available on the Activate Learning’s website.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who may be, you can contact Thames Valley Police. If there is an emergency that’s ongoing or life is in danger call 999 immediately. If you cannot speak, call 999 and dial 55. In a non-emergency case and for general advice call 101. Further information is available on the Thames Valley Police website.

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