Hairdressers and beauticians from across Northern Ireland have taken part in a specialist training session delivered in partnership with Police Service of Northern Ireland and Policing and Community Safety Partnerships, aimed at helping them recognise the hidden signs of domestic abuse.
Approximately 50 local businesses were in attendance at Malone House on Monday, 30th March hearing from police, victim support agencies and input from lived experience.
The 'Behind the Smile' session focused on identifying coercive control — a form of abuse that can include manipulation, isolation, monitoring, and intimidation – and physical abuse.
Participants were equipped with the knowledge and confidence to safely respond to concerns and signpost clients to support services.
Speaking after the event, south Belfast Area Commander Superintendent Finola Dornan said: “Domestic abuse is not always visible. Coercive control in particular can be subtle, persistent, and deeply damaging.
“Hairdressers and beauticians are in a unique position — they build trusted relationships and may notice changes others don’t. Or they may have a client who feels comfortable in that safe space to open up and disclose abuse.
“This training is about giving them the confidence to recognise the signs and know how to respond safely if that happens.”
She added: “We know that domestic abuse affects people from all backgrounds, and we want to ensure anyone experiencing abuse feels able to come forward and seek help. Trusted spaces can help uncover hidden harm.”
Recent figures show that police in Northern Ireland receive a domestic abuse call approximately every 16 minutes, highlighting the scale of the issue.
PSNI continues to encourage anyone experiencing abuse — or concerned about someone else — to report it. Support is available, and all reports are taken seriously.
Information on the signs that someone may be the victim of domestic abuse and what to do about these suspicions can be found here: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse-behaviours