A Leeds salon is adopting a "zero tolerance" policy to domestic abuse and encouraging their clients to speak out.
Hair With Pride, in Haigh Wood Road, Horsforth, is working with West Yorkshire Police to campaign for Cut It Out. The campaign recognises that a hairdresser, barber or beauty therapist is in a position of privilege with their client. Not only are they working physically close to them but also very often, they are someone trusted to talk to or confide in if they are suffering as a victim of domestic abuse.
The campaign has introduced into salons around other northern areas of the UK, and Yorkshire salons are now following in their footsteps. Hairdresser Angel Reed said since promoting the campaign, her customers at Hair With Pride have been opening up.
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She said: "I have been telling my clients about the campaign and a lot of people have opened up to me. One client told me she used to be in an abusive relationship and said she wishes she'd had this campaign back when she was suffering.
"Going to the hairdressers is like therapy, and I love that people will know they don't need to go through this alone. They can ask us advice about where they can go and who to speak to. We are going through specialist training so we have the tools to help people."
Angel, who says hairdressing is her passion, added: "Cut It Out is a police led campaign to tackle domestic violence. It started with a salon owner who's client was the victim of domestic abuse and was sadly murdered by her partner. She had spotted the signs while doing her client's hair, but never knew what to do.
"She now works with police to get the word out and I am hoping that all of the other local salons will join us too, to make all salons safe spaces. No one should ever have to face things alone."
27-year-old salon owner Harry shared his thoughts on social media and said: "As a industry we can help those in domestic violence relationships! We aren’t just airheads that talk about holidays. We get told everything by our trusted clients. So proud to be part of this bringing it to Yorkshire."
"We are working with police to try help victims of domestic abuse. As we are working with so many clients day to day we have been trained to look out for signs so that we can now help and point them in the right direction. Hair With Pride will now be classed as a safe place for women to be bale to come so that we can give them access to speak to the police and domestic abuse helplines."
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police confirmed they are working with salons across the county to spread awareness.
Help and support
Call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247 for confidential, non-judgemental information and support.
Women's Aid - for information and support, email helpline@womensaid.org.uk or use the instant messaging service.
Contact a local domestic abuse service by using the Domestic Abuse Directory. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
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