Herefordshire Community Safety Partnership has announced a new series of ‘Cut It Out’ domestic abuse training opportunities.
The training is for professionals who work with the general public, such as tattooists, hair, beauty and nail technicians, financial planners and hotel staff who have a unique, one-on-one, trusting relationship with clients/victims. There is no charge to attend. Events are currently scheduled in Hereford, Ledbury and Leominster. Further sessions in Bromyard are also being planned.
The aim is for as many professionals as possible to have the opportunity to come to the free sessions and learn what domestic abuse is, what they can do to recognise the signs and how to signpost when a disclosure is made.
The sessions will include information on:
- What is domestic abuse and what is its impact on adults and children
- How to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and coercive controlling behaviour in your clients
- What to do if a client says they are being abused
- How to have that difficult conversation and ask the right questions
- Which services you can signpost clients to
- Why it’s so difficult to leave an abusive relationship
The Partnership is working with Martin Lakeman, (Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Consultant) to provide this training. All attendees will be provided with a 'directory of services' developed by Martin, as well as a ‘Cut It Out’ pin badge and mirror stickers.
Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said:
Survivors or victims of domestic abuse are often too frightened to speak out or to report incidents to the police - but they may open up to trusted professionals. These conversations can be incredibly difficult for professionals to be party to. However, this training will not only help attendees to spot the signs of domestic abuse but also to understand how they can be supportive and help any of their clients who confide in them.
Additional information
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse at some point in their life.
- #Cut It Out was first launched following the murder of Kerri McAuley in 2017. She had confided in her hairdresser about the domestic abuse she was experiencing at home and reached out for support. Sadly the seriousness wasn't realised and she was murdered a few weeks later at the hands of her abusive partner.
- #Cut It Out recognises that certain professionals are in a position of privilege with their clients. Not only do they work physically close to them but they are also very often someone trusted to talk to or confide in.
- This initiative aims to help professionals recognise the signs of domestic abuse, whilst raising awareness of where they can signpost clients to get help and, importantly, give professionals the confidence to start that difficult conversation.