Hair and Beauty professionals against Domestic Abuse

Behind the Mask was launched in July 2019. It offers U.K. hair and beauty professional’s free online training to help them spot the signs that someone may be experiencing domestic abuse how they could respond in the best way.

LK Hair and LK Beauty are delighted to be one of a growing number of hair and beauty salons to take this special training.

Domestic Abuse may take one or more forms that could be physical, psychological, sexual, harassing, coercive or controlling. 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 no one what’s going on. With some insight, a therapist’s unique relationship with their clients may reveal what’s hidden behind their ‘mask’.

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. With regular clients, they may recognise behavioural changes. Our salons and treatment areas may be seen as a safe and relaxing spaces 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.

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 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 of the programme will be invited to revisit the training to refresh their knowledge every 2 years.

Some of our colleagues are Behind the Mask Champions and help to raise the awareness of it in any way they can. In addition, many hair and beauty academies have agreed to incorporate the training into their courses so the next generation of hairdressers and beauty therapists are aware of the signs of domestic abuse and how they can truly help.
 
Organisations who may offer help

National Domestic Violence 24 hour Helpline
0808 2000 247 www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
Run by Women’s Aid and Refuge. For women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends and callers on their behalf

Live Fear Free Helpline (Wales)
0808 80 10 800 www.gov.wales/live-fear-free
24 hour helpline. For those experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends, colleagues and professionals

Scotland Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
0800 027 1234 www.sdafmh.org.uk
24 hour helpline. For women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends, colleagues and professionals

Northern Ireland 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline
0808 802 1414 www.dsahelpline.org
For support, help, signposting and referrals for victims, family, friends and professionals

Broken Rainbow National Helpline
0300 999 5428 / 0800 999 5428 www.brokenrainbow.org.uk
Domestic Violence helpline for all LGBT communities, their family, friends, and agencies supporting them

National Stalking Helpline
0808 802 0300
Run by Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Offers guidance and information about stalking

Karma Nirvana
0800 5999 247 www.karmanirvana.org.uk
For those experiencing honour-based abuse and forced marriage

Revenge Porn Helpline
0345 6000 459 www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Supporting adults (over 18) whose intimate images and videos have been shared without their consent, or under threat.

Victim Support
0808 16 89 111 www.victimsupport.org.uk
Offers a support service for victims of crime

Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327 www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Offers advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse

ManKind Initiative
01823 334244 www.mankind.org.uk
Offers advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse

Respect Phone line
0808 802 4040 www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Offers advice & support to those who want to stop being violent & abusive towards their partner

Note: Calls to some of these helplines do not show up on the bill but they will appear in the phone’s history
 
Local services in our area
Domestic abuse helpline (Oxfordshire and West Berkshire):
0800 731 0055 
10am - 7pm, weekdays
 
Berkshire Women Aid
 
BWA Helpline: 0118 950 4003
 
http://www.berkshirewomensaid.org.uk/
 
 
Useful resources
Bright Sky app
www.hestia.org/brightsky
Designed to look like a weather app to make it discrete, it provides information to those experiencing domestic abuse or those who know someone who may be. Offers a UK-wide directory of specialist support services with contact details. Download the free app on your smart phone.
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Hollie Guard
www.hollieguard.com
Hollie Guard personal safety app is activated when your smart phone is shaken or tapped so it automatically sends your location and audio/video evidence to your designated contacts. Download the free app on your smart phone. Add emergency contacts and set up your personal alerts to get started
 
Thank You for your support
Thank you for proudly being part of this campaign and doing something that’s truly amazing. Together, we can change or save a life. Thank you.