Cut It Out – Raising Awareness of and Tackling Domestic Abuse

A new awareness initiative has been launched in North Worcestershire to help professionals spot the signs of domestic abuse with their clients.

The Cut It Out initiative has been launched to raise awareness of the devastating impact of domestic abuse and offers FREE training for all professionals who have a unique, one on one trusting relationship with their clients. The training was originally aimed at hair and beauty professionals; however this has now been widened to any professional working in any sector such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, tattooists, cleaners, etc.

Domestic abuse is now an epidemic and we need to do something different. With one in four women and one in six men experiencing domestic abuse at some point in their life, the Cut It Out campaign was first launched in Norfolk following the M**der of Kerri McAuley, who was killed in 2017 by her abusive partner. Before her death, Kerri had disclosed to her hairdresser that she was the victim of abuse and reached out for support, but the seriousness wasn’t realised.

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.

Cut It Out is launched by the North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, and is supported by Martin Lakeman (Domestic Abuse Consultant)

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)

To find out more about the Cut It Out events, please click on the links below to book and register your place.

Training takes place on:

15 October 2024 - Bromsgrove, Parkside, Market Street, B61 8DA 9:30 to 11:30

11 November 2024 - Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way, DY11 7WF 09:30-11:30

18 November 2024 - Bromsgrove Sporting, Birmingham Road, B61 0DR 09:30-11:30

9 December 2024 - Redditch United, Bromsgrove Road, B97 4AU 09:30-11:30

20 January 2025 - Redditch Kingfisher Centre, B97 4HJ 09:30- 11:30

Training will include information on:

• What domestic abuse is and its impact on adults and children.
• How to recognise the signs of domestic abuse in clients.
• What to do if a client says they’re being abused.
• How to have that difficult conversation and ask the question.
• Which services you can signpost clients to who are victims of domestic abuse.

If you have any questions about these events, please contact: [email protected]

Host or Publisher North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership