Apprentice hairdressers are receiving specialist training to help them spot signs of domestic abuse.

The sessions were attended by around 100 students Saks Hair Academy in Earl Street, Maidstone, last month.

They provided the students with information on identifying the signs of domestic abuse and how to support anyone who might be at risk or currently suffering.

Lockdown, social distancing and social restrictions can heighten the risk for victims. Kent Police saw a 12% increase in domestic abuse crime reports in March to July when compared to the same period in 2019.

Steve Noble, the community protection officer who delivered the training, explains the idea behind the initiative.

“Sadly we know there will be an increase in the number of people at risk of domestic abuse as we head into another lockdown,” he said.

“It can be very difficult to reach victims who may be trapped inside their home with no escape from an abusive or emotionally controlling partner.

“For some, the only escape might be a trip to the hairdressers. This initiative trains hairdressers on the signs to look out for and how to assist potential victims.”

Nicola Aviolet, academy manager at Saks, said: “This week was a fantastic opportunity to be able to raise awareness of key topics amongst our learners.

“It’s great to be partnered up with the local council and be able to offer these sessions to Saks apprentices and we look forward to having the community protection team back again soon.”

It is estimated two million people a year in England and Wales experience domestic abuse, with one in four women and one in six men experiencing it at some point during their lifetime.

Emily Pearson, a beauty therapist who escaped an abusive partner, has been striving to make her industry more aware of violent relationships and created a training programme to help spot the signs.

"Often people who haven’t experienced abuse in this way don’t understand..."

Welcoming the training delivered last month in Maidstone, she said: “Often domestic abuse victims are isolated from family and friends, it is important for industries like the hair and beauty industry to recognise and understand how to effectively signpost their clients who may be suffering to the correct agencies who can help them.

“Domestic abuse is complex and often people who haven’t experienced abuse in this way don’t understand.

“The key to stamping out this behaviour from perpetrators in our society is to educate us all and help victims to be free from abuse.”

It comes as Kent County Council (KCC) has backed a new campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and how to find help and support.

The launch of ‘Domestic Abuse: It’s Everybody’s Business’ will see a range of free virtual events aimed at businesses, community groups and individuals to educate and ensure more victims are identified and can find safety quickly and easily.

Two women a week are murdered by their current or ex-partner and one in seven children and young people under the age of 18 will have lived with domestic violence at some point.

Domestic abuse also affects businesses, causing employees to take unplanned time off work and decreased productivity, costing UK businesses approximately £1.9bn a year.

Clair Bell, KCC cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “We have put support for victims who are suffering from domestic abuse front and centre of our Covid-19 response strategy.

“The Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service has been working tirelessly to support those affected by domestic abuse during the COVID pandemic, ensuring that services are available to those affected.

“We are committed to the safeguarding of victims and ensuring that they have access to support.”

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