How to spot clients suffering from domestic violence

When you get up close and personal with a client, you can spot the signs of domestic abuse others can’t. Here’s how to help.

As a personal service professional, you are in a unique position to support victims of abuse. Salon, spa, and barbering professionals are experienced, skilled listeners. They have ongoing relationships with their repeat customers, which allows them to build rapport and establish trust. You will be in close proximity to individuals and see physical signs of abuse, and staff may also observe various relationship dynamics at both an individual and partner level.

For personal service professionals, the focus on a client’s appearance may allow them to spot signs of abuse that are not apparent to others. Being up close, washing hair, etc. allows stylists to see areas where abuse is often hidden, such as the neck and around the scalp. Often, the salon is one of the few places an abused woman may be able to visit without her partner, which creates an ideal environment for seeking support. By educating yourself on how to recognize and respond to signs of abuse or disclosures of violence, you have the potential to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The Cut It Out program, which is run in many salons in the United States and Ontario, works on the principle of the three R’s:

• Recognize the problem
• Respond to it
• Refer victims to appropriate outlets for assistance

Here’s how you can learn more

Check out the PDF below – read on-screen or download for your own reference.

Sign up to a session with a 4th year nursing student on how to spot and what to do when we come across violence/abuse during our work continues in July mainly online Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays. Contact Carol Ateah at this email for more information.