Hairdressers to be trained to spot domestic abuse victims

HAIRDRESSERS and beauticians across Ireland will be trained to spot customers who show signs of being domestic abuse victims.

The training is part of a scheme called Shear Haven, first launched by US salon owner and domestic abuse survivor Susanne Post.

Staff will be tested after completing several 20-minute online courses, and will also receive a certificate to show they are qualified to spot the signs.

The training will help salon staff recognise abuse but also have a conversation with the person to let them know they’re in safe hands.

Shear Haven is expected to launch in Ireland and the UK later this year, with about 25,000 hairdressers across the world already trained.

Ireland has seen a huge increase of domestic abuse during the lockdown. Last year Women’s Aid reported that 29,717 people contacted it for help, up 43% on 2019.

Welcoming the initiative, the CEO of Women’s Aid, Sarah Benson, said: ‘We are currently in close contact with industry representatives to comprehensively support the hair and beauty sector to recognise and respond to domestic violence against their clients.’