Salon workers to spot clients who are domestic abuse victims

Hairdressers, beauticians and nail technicians at a Merseyside salon are being trained on how to spot signs of domestic abuse.

Jaz Hair, based in Crosby in Sefton, is working with local charity SWACA (Safety, Wellbeing and Challenging Abuse) which helps people who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Salon owner Kim, who has always been an advocate for women's health and wellbeing said she wanted to create a safe space for women facing challenging times.

"We are dealing with women every day, there's a platform there to look out for signs of change with these women and creating a safe space to be able to talk," she said.

Staff will be trained to recognise more subtle signs of domestic abuse and help people access specialist support including a change in someone's demeanour or new stress around certain situations.

"I would say hairdressers and beauty therapists are already doing that job.

"They're already listening to issues every single day.

"To just have that extra bit of information to give to ladies, to point them in the right direction and to train up hairdressers, beauticians, these professionals, who will already have that relationship - it will just be amazing."

SWACA, is a Bootle-based charity set up in 1974. It helps anyone who is the victim of domestic abuse.

CEO John Williams said as well as physical injuries other signs can include a change in somebody's demeanour, including new stress around certain situations.

"The reporting of domestic abuse, it not just for the survivor to do, it's for all of us, as society," he said.

"People are reluctant to get involved, but it doesn't mean putting yourself at risk in challenging the perpetrator."

He said the SWACA service was about "empowering, developing and supporting people at their own pace"

"What we will say to them is let us hold your hand with you whilst we take you to the next stage," he said.

"We can either do one-to-one counselling work, advocacy, or signpost people to legal support."

Kim said she hoped the scheme could expand across the region.

"I feel like this is going to make such a difference in the community," she said.

"You can get help for this awful situation. Together we can make a change."

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