Hairdressers around NSW are to become the next weapons in the war against domestic violence with Legal Aid NSW to offer training to prepare them in case a client discloses abuse while attending their salon.
Announced by the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Mark Speakman, the new training program is to be conducted in five regions across NSW over the coming months.
“Hairdressers are valuable members of our communities who develop meaningful relationships with their clients, particularly if they’ve worked with them for many years,” Mr Speakman said.
“This training is about empowering hairdressers with information to best ensure that they are equipped to recognise domestic violence, manage any disclosures from customers, and most importantly, support the victim to get the help they need,” he said.
“Salon professionals are also a female dominated workforce, so we’re confident this training can help with broader community awareness too, given the tragically disproportionate impact of domestic and family violence on women and children.”
Mr Speakman said the workshops would be delivered by local legal and domestic violence services participating in Legal Aid NSW’s Co-operative Legal Service Delivery Program (CLSD).
Chief Executive of Legal Aid NSW, Brendan Thomas said the coordination of a program such as this was an innovative way to engage with people who needed legal support.
“The easier it becomes for women and children to gain the full protection of the law, the greater progress we will make in eradicating violence in families,” Mr Thomas said.
