Free Online Training To Help Spot Signs of Domestic Abuse

Empowering the Beauty Industry: How to Spot the Signs and Save Lives

As beauty professionals, we occupy a position of extraordinary trust. Between the close physical proximity of a lash application and the long-term rapport built over years of hair appointments, clients often feel safe sharing things they wouldn't tell anyone else. However, this unique bond comes with a profound responsibility. With domestic abuse cases continuing to be a global public health crisis, the Behind the Mask initiative offers free online training designed specifically for the beauty industry. This course equips lash stylists, hairdressers, and estheticians with the tools to look beyond the "mask" and offer life-saving support.

Why Salons are the Front Line Against Domestic Abuse

Research shows that survivors of domestic violence are more likely to confide in their beauty therapist or hair stylist than the police or a healthcare provider. Our treatment rooms are "safe havens"—private, relaxing spaces where a client is away from their abuser. By understanding the dynamics of coercive control and identifying physical warning signs, you can provide a crucial link between a survivor and professional help.

Spotting the Signs: What to Look For

Abuse isn't always physical; it often involves emotional, financial, or psychological manipulation. In a salon environment, you are uniquely positioned to notice subtle red flags that others might miss:

• Physical Indicators: Unexplained bruising (often near the hairline or scalp), frequent cancellations, or wearing clothing that seems inappropriate for the weather to hide injuries.

• Behavioural Changes: Hypervigilance, sudden withdrawal, or a partner who insists on waiting in the car or accompanying the client into the treatment room.

• Communication Cues: Self-blame, constant checking of the phone, or anxiety about being "on time" to get home.

What is "Behind the Mask" Training?

Founded by UK lash stylist Julie Knight, Behind the Mask is a 22-minute online course that provides a certificate of participation upon completion. Unlike general awareness training, this is tailored for the "chair-side" environment. It doesn't ask you to be a counsellor or an intervener; instead, it teaches you the "Recognise, Respond, Refer" framework.

• Recognise: Identify the non-verbal and verbal cues of a client in danger.

• Respond: Learn how to listen non-judgmentally without placing the client in further risk.

• Refer: Safely provide information for local domestic abuse charities and national hotlines.

The Role of Training Academies and Educators

To truly change the industry, awareness must start at the beginning of a stylist's career. We encourage all beauty training academies to incorporate the Behind the Mask module into their curriculum. By making domestic abuse awareness a standard part of beauty education, we ensure that the next generation of therapists is prepared to handle these sensitive disclosures with professional grace and efficacy.

Creating a Safe Zone in Your Salon

Taking the training is just the first step. To signal to your clients that your business is a safe space, you can:

1. Display Awareness Materials: Place discreet posters or "Safe Zone" stickers in your bathroom stalls or changing areas.

2. Become a Champion: Individuals can sign up to be "Behind the Mask Champions," actively spreading the word to other local businesses.

3. Internal Policy: Ensure all staff members know the protocol if a client discloses abuse, prioritising the client's confidentiality and safety above all else.

Take the Training Today

Your "listening ear" is a powerful tool, but an informed listening ear can save a life. The Behind the Mask training is completely free, accessible on mobile or desktop, and takes less than half an hour. By joining this movement, you aren't just a lash technician or a stylist; you are a vital part of a community safety net.

22 minutes of your time can really make a difference to someone in need. It can be life-changing, even lifesaving. The training is FREE and always will be. Take it now at

www.behindthemask.online/training and receive your certificate and support pack.

Since it was launched last August, over 10,000 people from around the world have taken the training. Hundreds have said that they feel confident to help others and are now doing so. Over 130 U.K. hair and beauty training schools include it in their courses and over 1000 amazing people are champions for this cause. They use their vast networks to encourage colleagues to take the course - just like London Lash Pro.

Together, we’re looking out for our clients today, so they can be clients tomorrow.