Cut It Out training on raising awareness of professionals about domestic abuse and how to help. Venue in Ross-On-Wye Town Centre

Herefordshire Council are delighted to be working with Martin Lakeman, (Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Consultant), in raising awareness around the devastating impact of domestic abuse through the #Cut It Out initiative. We are focusing on professionals, including tattooists, hair, beauty and nail technicians who have a unique, one on one, trusting relationship with clients/victims.

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We are offering this vital training FREE to all professionals working in any sector.

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. 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 working physically close to them but also very often, they are 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.

' Our aim is that as many professionals have the opportunity to come to a FREE sessions and learn what domestic abuse is and what they can do to recognise the signs'

The FREE sessions will include information on:

- What domestic abuse is and its impact on adults and children

- How you can recognise the signs of domestic abuse and coercive controlling behaviour in your clients

- What to do if a client says that they are being abused

- How to have that difficult conversation and ask the right questions

- Which services you can sign post clients to

- Examine why it’s so difficult to leave an abusive relationship

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.

An experienced hairdresser after the training, provided the following feedback -

“Brilliant. Empowering, and a must for every professional”

“I thought the training last week was excellent, thank you” – A Financial advisor

Description supplied by the event organiser.