How to spot domestic abuse signs in clients

A staggering one in four women* will experience abuse from a partner or ex-partner at some time in their life, and two are killed each week. “They may be our clients, colleagues or our family and friends, so recognising the signs, offering a kind word and providing information on how to access professional support may change or save someone’s life,” comments Julie Knight, a police officer turned lash stylist.

Julie Knight

Julie, founder of Elite Eyelash Extensions and Training Academy, launched the Behind The Mask initiative in order to raise awareness of domestic abuse, and to ensure that beauty therapists and nail techs are able to recognise signs in their clients and team members.

“Behind The Mask offers hair and beauty professionals free access to online learning and resources,” Julie reveals. “This may help you to spot the signs that someone is experiencing domestic abuse and guide on how to respond in the best way. It’s not about intervening or interfering, but knowing how you can truly help someone who may really need it.”

Her aim with the Behind the Mask campaign is to raise awareness of domestic abuse across the UK. “Many of our colleagues don’t recognise the signs and most wouldn’t know what to say or do,” Julie says. “We may notice something that could lead to a life being saved, it’s as simple as that.

“Our instincts tell us to say, ‘you must leave!’ but how unhelpful, impractical and seemingly judgemental is that? I wanted others to feel confident to explore their concerns and know how they could help in a meaningful way.

“As it’s just me, I don’t have the capacity to run face-to-face courses, and the online training asks for 22 minutes of a beauty pro’s time every two years.”

Since the launch, more than 10,000 people have undertaken the training. While it was originally designed for the hair and beauty industry in the UK, beauty therapists from around the world have shown interest. “Several people have also asked for it to be available in their country and I have offered to gift the content so that they can do that,” Julie says. “I’m truly delighted that the campaign has over 500 champions who help to spread the word through their networks. More than 130 training schools have included it as a module in their courses.

“I sincerely thank all those that have spared 22 minutes to take the training and are doing what they can to help change and save lives. They’re the ones making the difference.”

To find out more about the training and campaign, visit www.behindthemask.online.

*Statistic from the Behind The Mask website.