Hair salons, barbers and beauticians across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan have been asked for their support to help tackle violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Around 650 businesses across the region will be receiving information and resources this month to help raise awareness of the issue and enable them to signpost any clients needing help to local and national specialist support providers.
The consequences of domestic abuse and sexual violence can be far reaching and have a serious impact on all aspects of victims’ lives so this initiative aims to ensure that everyone experiencing abuse – women, men and children, are supported.
Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Elsmore, said: “We know that victims of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence will often disclose their experiences to people in their community rather than professionals so hairdressers, barbers and others who work in the beauty industry can often hear about a client’s difficulties, or about someone the client is worried about.
“By providing these resources, we are equipping people in these roles not only with the right information they need to be able to direct and encourage a client to access the appropriate help and specialist support but also a better awareness of how to deal with the issue. The initial response that a victim receives to disclosing their experiences can make a significant difference to their approach to seeking help.”
The resource pack signposts businesses to schemes such as Welsh Women’s Aid ‘Ask Me Ambassador’ scheme, FOR Cardiff’s ‘Safe Places’ scheme and free Welsh Government training online that can help people spot the signs of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Hair and beauty practitioners are also being encouraged to become White Ribbon Champions or Ambassadors in support of the worldwide movement started by men committed to ending male violence against women.
The information packs are part of a wider campaign in the city to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence. From February 7 until mid March, all bus tickets for companies that operate across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan will carry advertising for Live Fear Free, the national domestic abuse and sexual violence helpline.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence against women, domestic abuse or sexual violence you can seek help and support from the Live Fear Free service.
@LiveFearFree #LiveFearFree Phone 0808 80 10 800 Text 0786 007 7333
Email [email protected]
Live chat gov.wales/livefearfree
If you are a local business who would like to receive an information pack, please email:[email protected]
