Women's Aid Teams Up With Hair Salons to Combat Domestic Violence

A new partnership between Women's Aid and the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation Ireland (HABIC) aims to help those in the hair and beauty industry deal with reports of domestic violence in the salon.

According to Women's Aid, 89% of salon employees are women, and so are the vast majority of their clients. More often than not, salons are safe spaces where women go to socialise, de-stress, get pampered, and feel better about themselves. This makes them very important hubs for spreading information that could help victims escape abusive relationships. 

The charity also reported a 43% increase in the number of women seeking support and availing of their services during the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, 1 in 4 women in Ireland will experience domestic abuse at the hands of a current partner or ex at some point in their life.

Women's Aid is a women's and children's charity that has been tackling domestic abuse in Ireland since 1974. Their 24hr helpline is available 7 days a week and offers support and information to women experiencing emotional and physical abuse in the home. 

Support and Information for Victims

Over 2500 salons across Ireland will display posters outlining the 10 most common signs of domestic abuse from today onwards. Information packs and other resources have also been distributed to those working in the hair and beauty industry. Meanwhile, QR stickers on mirrors will provide direct links to the Women's Aid 24hr hotline. Similar resources will also be displayed in staff rooms to help employees who may be going through the same thing. 

Women's Aids' staff and volunteers have been specially trained on how to handle reports of domestic violence. Now, an informative webinar has been made available to those working in salons. The webinar helps hairdressers and beauticians recognise the signs of domestic abuse and guides them on how to respond to reports in a supportive manner.

To find out more about this initiative, go to www.womensaid.ie/hair-and-beauty-industry-awareness-campaign. If your local salon is a HABIC member, you will now find the above-mentioned resources displayed there. To access Women's Aid 24hr helpline, freephone 1800 341 900.