HABIC & Women's Aid launch domestic abuse campaign
The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (HABIC) has partnered with Women's Aid to facilitate the roll out of services to support domestic abuse victims to over 2,500 hair and beauty salons across the country.
According to EU research, one in four women in Ireland in a relationship have been abused by a current or former partner.
The partnership aims to build a greater understanding and knowledge of domestic violence and abuse among hair and beauty professionals, and to create awareness with clients and employees on the nature of domestic abuse and available support pathways.
HABIC member salons will receive resource materials including mirror stickers with QR codes that will direct salon customers to the Women's Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline.
Salons are encouraged to display posters and stickers around the salon as well as in staff areas.
Commenting on the partnership with Women's Aid, Margaret O'Rourke Doherty, CEO of
HABIC, says:
“The relationship between clients and HABIC hairdressers and beauticians is one that is developed over time and is built on trust. From engagement with Women's Aid, we understand that salon's may be the only safe space for some women, away from an abusive behaviour.
“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. We look forward to working with the team at Women's Aid going forward to listen to women, support and believe them.”
Sarah Benson, CEO of
Women's Aid, adds:
“We are delighted to partner with HABIC on this important initiative. Hair and beauty businesses in local communities across the country can play a crucial role in raising awareness among those who may need support, including staff and clients. When someone discloses that they are experiencing abuse, it can be difficult to know what to do. 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.
"We hope that women accessing these local spaces, who are experiencing abuse, will call the Women's Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline for information, support and referral to local domestic violence services, when needed.”
Women's Aid
Women's Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline: 1800 341 900
HABIC
071 9615 200
