Free training sessions are being rolled out across the county.

Herefordshire Council is supporting the #CutitOut campaign – aiming to tackle the devastating impact of domestic abuse, which affects by one in four women and one in six men at some point in their life. Cut It Out free half-day training sessions, delivered in partnership with Martin Lakeman Consultancy, take place in February and March in Bromyard and Ross on Wye for the first time.

This innovative new training focuses on businesses with public-facing staff who often have a unique, one on one, relationship with their clients, building a rapport and trust. It helps professionals recognise signs of domestic abuse, and where they can signpost clients to get help. Importantly, it gives professionals in many different sectors the confidence and knowledge to start that difficult conversation.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Carole Gandy, said:

“More than eighty women were killed by partners and ex-partners in the UK during the year end March 2024. The Office for National Statistics that approximately 3.8 million people aged 16 years and above experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025.

“Domestic abuse is one of the worst crimes in our society and we can all help tackle it. Training and awareness raising is a key priority within the recent Herefordshire Domestic Abuse Prevention Strategy, therefore I’d urge anyone working in a job where they develop trusted, one to one relationships with their clients, like hairdressers or nail technicians, to take up this opportunity to learn how to spot the signs, and have those conversations which could be life saving. A short chat with a familiar professional might be the only moment people feel able to reach out for help.”

Cut It Out free half-day training sessions, delivered in partnership with Martin Lakeman Consultancy, take place in February and March in Bromyard and Ross on Wye for the first time. 

Training will be held on various dates over February and March and is free of charge. Full details and how to book are available online:

The free Cut it Out sessions will help professionals:

• Understand what domestic abuse looks like
• Recognise the signs of coercive control and other indicators
• Know what to do if someone discloses abuse
• Feel confident starting difficult conversations
• Signpost clients to local support services