Nail technicians taught to spot domestic abuse

Nail technicians, hairdressers and beauticians across Lancashire are being taught how to spot signs of domestic abuse.

Seeing signs such as "a bruise on a wrist" or "hair missing" could help direct victims to get help, according to the Fylde Coast Women's Aid charity.

Students at Blackpool and the Fylde College have taken part in the training as part of the Nail Domestic Violence campaign, funded by the county's PCC.

The college's assistant principal, Catherine Yeo, said there was a "trusted relationship" where clients tend to "open up and discuss things that they wouldn't even share with really close family members".

Videos filmed in real salon environments were shown to the students, including information about different forms of domestic abuse, and guidance on how to respond safely.

Catherine said that those working in health and wellbeing industries were "well placed to spot signs, symptoms or changes in behaviour" in their clients.

Becky from Fylde Coast Women's Aid said that might include "a bruise on a wrist, a little bit of hair maybe missing", which may indicate they are a victim of domestic abuse.

More than 1,300 nail technicians and hairdressers across the county are due to take part in the training, and will be taught to signpost their client towards domestic abuse organisations.

Becky said perpetrators of domestic abuse sometimes accompanied their victims to medical appointments, making it hard for the victim to come forward there.

But they may be less likely to go with them to a nail or beauty salon, "so the therapist there has an amazing role and part to play, in that they can ask those courageous questions".

Fylde Coast Women's Aid has also been going around salons, providing them with information packs and posters.

Catherine added: "This campaign's great at giving the students a toolkit to recognise some signs and some symptoms" of domestic violence."

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said he believed the campaign would "make a difference" for "thousands of victims across Lancashire".

• If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.