Beauty industry professionals attend domestic violence awareness training

21 May 2021
Beauty industry professionals attend domestic violence awareness training

A ground-breaking Family Domestic Violence (FDV) awareness program for hair and beauty professionals, held at Midland Women’s Health Care Place, was deemed a big success.

Coordinated by the City of Swan, Relationships Australia WA and the Midland Women's Heath Care Centre, the training comprised a two-hour interactive presentation followed by a comprehensive Q&A session. The FDV training is the first of its kind to take place in WA.

The program is a collaborative effort between the City, Relationships Australia, Lifeline WA, Midlas, Swan Family Domestic Violence Network and Western Australian Police (WAPOL). It was funded by the Department of Social Services.

City of Swan Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Edwards said he was pleased the City could facilitate such an important program.

“The main purpose of awareness program is to empower hairdressers and beauticians with resources and training so they can link abuse victims with professional services,” Mr Edwards said.

“The FDV program was originally launched in the eastern states, based on the general consensus that many people interact with their hairdresser and beautician in the way they speak to a friend. For some people, it is the only time they are on their own and able to speak freely.”

Relationships Australia Midland-Branch Manager Kristy Darnborough said WA has the second highest rate of reported family domestic violence in the country. She said only around 30 percent of incidents are reported to police.

“The FDV training will mean salon employees will be taught how to identify warning signs that someone might be a victim of family domestic violence,” Ms Darnborough said.

Ms Darnborough acknowledged hairdressers and beauticians are not the same as social workers. “But they can be the link that provides the correct resources for someone in need and make a real difference to their life.”

As there was significant interest in the recent Family Domestic Violence training program, City plans to hold further training sessions in the future. You can register your interest by sending your details in an email: communitydi@swan.wa.gov.au

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