31/03/2026
NI Hairdressers Trained to Spot Signs of Domestic Abuse
Hairdressers and beauticians from across Northern Ireland have participated in a specialist training programme designed to help them recognise the hidden indicators of domestic abuse.
The 'Behind the Smile' session, held at Malone House on Monday 30th March, was delivered through a partnership between the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Policing and Community Safety Partnerships.
The training focused on identifying physical abuse and coercive control—a pattern of behaviour involving intimidation, monitoring, isolation, and manipulation. Participants from roughly 50 local businesses heard from police officers, victim support agencies, and individuals with lived experience, gaining the tools to safely signpost clients toward professional support services.
The initiative highlights the unique role of salon professionals, who often develop high levels of trust with their clients, potentially making them the first to notice subtle changes in behaviour or receive a direct disclosure of harm.
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 police data indicates the scale of the challenge in Northern Ireland, with officers receiving a domestic abuse-related call approximately every 16 minutes. The PSNI continues to urge anyone experiencing abuse, or those concerned about others, to come forward, stressing that all reports are treated with the utmost seriousness.
Information on the signs that someone may be the victim of domestic abuse and what to do about these suspicions can be found here: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse-behaviours
The 'Behind the Smile' session, held at Malone House on Monday 30th March, was delivered through a partnership between the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Policing and Community Safety Partnerships.
The training focused on identifying physical abuse and coercive control—a pattern of behaviour involving intimidation, monitoring, isolation, and manipulation. Participants from roughly 50 local businesses heard from police officers, victim support agencies, and individuals with lived experience, gaining the tools to safely signpost clients toward professional support services.
The initiative highlights the unique role of salon professionals, who often develop high levels of trust with their clients, potentially making them the first to notice subtle changes in behaviour or receive a direct disclosure of harm.
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 police data indicates the scale of the challenge in Northern Ireland, with officers receiving a domestic abuse-related call approximately every 16 minutes. The PSNI continues to urge anyone experiencing abuse, or those concerned about others, to come forward, stressing that all reports are treated with the utmost seriousness.
Information on the signs that someone may be the victim of domestic abuse and what to do about these suspicions can be found here: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse-behaviours
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