Habic partners with Women’s Aid to tackle domestic abuse

A new partnership between the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic) and Women’s Aid is aiming to educate staff in the hair and beauty industry on how to recognise the signs of domestic abuse.

The campaign will see domestic abuse support resources being rolled out to more than 2,500 hair and beauty salons across the country.

Habic member salons are set to receive packs containing resource materials to support and educate teams and clients, including posters outlining the 10 common signs of domestic abuse. Stickers will also be displayed on salon mirrors containing QR codes that will direct customers to the 24hr National Freephone Helpline and the Women’s Aid website.

According to EU research, one in four women in Ireland in a relationship have been abused by a current or former partner, and it is hoped that hair and beauty businesses can play a role in raising awareness among those who may need support.

Last year, 29,717 contacts were made with Women’s Aid’s frontline services, during which 24,893 disclosures of domestic abuse against women, including coercive control, were made. There was a 43% increase in the numbers of women contacting Women’s Aid during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“When someone discloses that they are experiencing abuse, it can be difficult to know what to do,” said Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid. “Quite often people are afraid to say the wrong thing. Our campaign provides helpful resources on recognising abuse and how to respond in a supportive way. We know that with the right information, salon staff can make a difference in someone’s journey to safety."

CEO of Habic Margaret O’Rourke Doherty added: “Over the coming period, we will focus on supporting our members and to give staff confidence and resources to know how to respond when someone does confide in them. With a largely female workforce, we also want to ensure our members feel supported at work and can access the necessary supports if they need to.”