Our Team Goes Behind the Mask for Domestic Abuse
In the last few months, everyone has adjusted to wearing a mask in public but for many women, they have worn a mask to hide signs of domestic abuse.
Behind the Mask is a free online training for salons and
beauty therapists to help them spot the signs that someone may be experiencing
domestic abuse how they could respond in the best way. Bridget Haren Hair &
Beauty is delighted that all of their team have completed this training.
Bridget Haren explained, “Many women use the services of a hairdresser and beauty therapist and tell them things that they wouldn’t say to anyone else. We may notice injuries or the consequence of them or notice behavioural changes in our regular clients. Our Salon may be seen as a safe and relaxing space to our clients and it may be one of the few opportunities they have to reach out for help or be open to it. It’s not about intervening or interfering, it’s simply suggesting the services of those who are specially trained to help in a way that’s informed and meaningful. Our listening ear along with a kind word may change or save a life.”
Given that domestic abuse includes a wide range of behaviours, it can be hard to spot and injuries may be masked by clothing or makeup. Around 1 in 4 women will experience abuse in their lifetime. On average, 2 women are killed each week. For many reasons, some may not tell anyone what’s going on. With some insight, a therapist’s unique relationship with their clients may reveal what’s hidden behind their ‘mask’.
During 2018, beauty therapist Julie Knight asked UK hair and beauty professionals for their views on the necessity of such a programme and how to make it really accessible. 100% of over 200 respondents said it was necessary. 98% said that a short online training programme would make it easier to use. With their help, the name was chosen. Julie consulted a number of interested parties to help inform the training programme along with her personal insight and professional knowledge has given her past career in policing that spans nearly 30 years.
Behind the Mask is available free of charge and the content will be reviewed annually. Participant in the programme will be invited to revisit the training to refresh their knowledge every 2 years.
“I think this is a really important issue so I have completed
the training as a participant, the Academy and I have become a Behind the Mask
Champion. All of the staff have completed this training and I have also made
this part of our Apprenticeship training for the next generation of stylists
training in our salon,” concluded Bridget.
For more information on this course, please visit their website at www.behindthemask.online