Hair and beauty staff trained to spot signs of domestic abuse under new initiative
Resources include access to recent Women's Aid webinars on domestic abuse, along with packs containing a poster outlining ten common signs
Staff in the hair and beauty industry will receive support sessions and resources to help identify and assist clients experiencing domestic abuse under a new initiative.
The initiative, a partnership between Women's Aid, Skillnet, the Irish Hairdressers Foundation, and the Irish Spa & Beauty Association, will train hair stylists and therapists to recognise signs of abuse and guide affected clients to support services.
Resources include access to recent Women's Aid webinars on domestic abuse, along with packs containing a poster outlining ten common signs, an information leaflet, and a mirror decal for display in salons and spas.
According to EU research, more than one in three women in Ireland (35%) have experienced psychological, physical, or sexual abuse from an intimate partner. Women's Aid says hair, spa, and beauty professionals across the country can play a crucial role in raising awareness and offering support.
Launching the initiative on Thursday, Women's Aid CEO Sarah Benson said the partnership will help the organisation "empower more people to help women who are experiencing domestic abuse" and connect them with services.
"We want every woman in such a position to know that we are here if they need us. Everyday professionals in the hair, spa, and beauty industry offer more than just services; they offer a safe space," she said.
Ms Benson added that through the webinars, professionals can learn to spot signs in client behaviour, understand abuse dynamics, and respond with empathy and care.
"People are often afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing and we want to educate as many people as possible on how they can help," she added.
Women’s Aid and Image Skillnet are also highlighting new domestic violence leave, introduced in 2023, and workplace supports available to employers developing policies on domestic abuse.
“Beauty and spa therapists often build long-term, trusting relationships with their clients. And we know that this could be the only safe space a woman has or the only place she feels able to open up due to isolation or not wanting to worry family or friends," said Image Skillnet membership manager, Caroline Newton.
Ms Newton said the partnership offers a "great opportunity to make a real difference and to support our members and give staff confidence and resources to know how to respond if someone does confide in them, or they want to reach out".
- More information on the partnership can be found on Women’s Aid's website or on Image Skillnet's website.
