Cut it Out: Forest leads on training to support victims of domestic abuse

Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, Cllr Jackie Dale said:

“The Cut It Out campaign is a fantastic initiative and one that truly has the power to save lives.  

“People who are studying hair and beauty courses at Gloucestershire College will be equipped with training that can help them spot the signs of domestic abuse and ensure they know how to help clients in that situation. 

“I’m so proud that Forest of Dean District Council are at the forefront of tackling domestic abuse. Working with partners, this training will help to cut out domestic abuse and change lives for the better.  

“If you or someone you know needs any support, please reach out. We have a dedicated webpage available on the Council’s website, or please call us so that we can provide the assistance.” 

The Cut it Out Campaign was first launched in Norfolk following the death 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 said that she thought her ex-partner was going to kill her, but the seriousness of this comment was not realised.  

The campaign recognises that a hairdresser, barber, or beauty therapist is in a position of privilege with their client, not only working physically close to them but also, they are often someone trusted to talk to or confide in.  

The project uses funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire (OPCC) and Forest of Dean District Council will support GDASS to deliver training to hair and beauty students at Gloucestershire College so that they can spot the signs of domestic violence and to equip them with knowledge of how they can support their client. 

Chair of Forest of Dean District Council and Chair of the Forest of Dean Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Group, Cllr Di Martin says:

“I am very proud that Forest of Dean District Council are leading on this campaign in Gloucestershire.  

“Partners will work together with the College to ensure that those studying hair and beauty are able to spot the signs of domestic abuse in clients. It will also give those students valuable skills in supporting someone in crisis and will potentially save lives. 

“After this initial launch, there will be further training sessions delivered in the community for hairdressers, barbers, tattooists and beauty therapists and that dates will be released soon. We would encourage those working in these professions to attend.” 

To find out more about supporting victims of domestic abuse in the district, please visit the link below, or call 01594 810000 

https://www.fdean.gov.uk/communities-health-and-leisure/community-safety/domestic-abuse/ 

As well as contact information for local support services, the resources help provide answers for people who may have questions about their situation. It also includes some advice for spotting signs of abuse and who to contact if someone believes they are victims of abuse or knows somebody who they suspect is a victim. 

Information for GDASS can be found at the link below, or by Phone: 01452 726 570 or Email: [email protected] 

https://www.gdass.org.uk/