#Cut It Out - FREE Domestic Abuse Awareness Training

South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership are delighted to be working with Martin Lakeman, (Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Consultant) and Parkinson Wright Solicitors again, in raising awareness around the devastating impact of domestic abuse through the Cut It Out initiative.

Initially the sessions focused on hair and beauty professionals, including tattooists and nail technicians however it was quickly realised the potential to information share could be even greater and is now available to professionals, from ANY SECTOR.

With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experiencing domestic abuse at some point in their life, the 'Cut It Out Campaign' was first launched following the M**der 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 but sadly the seriousness wasn't realised and she was murdered a few weeks later at the hands of her abusive partner.

From this training we hope to encourage those in positions of trust to be confident in having difficult, sensitive conversations, to be professionally curious and to be able to sign post clients/victims to specialist support agencies.

Everyone who takes part in the training will receive materials to display in their business windows or mirrors to show that it is a safe space. They will also receive a pin badge which is a great way to start a conversation, it gives the opportunity to talk about the training they have completed and then offer support services if a client needs it.

Martin Lakeman, Domestic Abuse Consultant, said:

Our aim is that as many professionals have the opportunity to come to a free session and learn about what domestic abuse is and what they can do to recognise the signs, and signpost support to those that may be suffering abuse. Because of the close proximity certain professionals have, they will see things other people might not notice, people are more likely to talk to someone they trust about abuse rather than report it to the police. A salon for example may be the ideal place to seek help as it could be one of the few places their abuser will allow them to go or go without them.”

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

"I can honestly say the ‘cut it out’ training explains and allows others to understand more about domestic abuse, how to recognize it and help victims more than any other course I’ve been on. Very well put together.” - Domestic abuse champion (Hairdresser)

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Host or Publisher South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership