In Australia, a women dies every 5 days due to family violence. Research shows that many women establish close relationships with their salon and spa professionals and confide in them about violence or controlling behaviour they are experiencing at home.

There is nothing more important to our industry than protecting our clients and our teams, and by creating conversation around recognising a client who needs a way out or by giving our therapists the correct tools and training to be able to articulate these conversations correctly and conscientiously. 

Today I am speaking with Mandy Hudson, Educator for the Hair 3R’s program. Mandy has 30 years’ experience providing community education in sexual and reproductive health, mental health, diversity and inclusive practice, and family violence. Mandy has been part of the Education and Training Unit at EDVOS since it began in 2017 and has trained over 2000 people including 400 salon professionals in how to recognise, respond and refer around family violence. 

Today's episode is here to shed light on identifying signs of family violence and how to approach the topic safely with colleagues, clients and others. Mandy provides us knowledge on how to react to clients opening up about family violence and gives us information on how to remain professional and take the right steps when there is a disclosure.

Just one more thing before we launch into today’s episode. If today’s topic sounds a little too familiar for yourself or for someone around you, please reach out to Eastern Domestic Violence Services, phone the 1800RESPECT hotline or if you are in immediate danger, phone 000.

To find out more about EDVOS click here: https://www.edvos.org.au/

To find out more about the Hair 3'Rs program or to book a training in your space click here: https://www.edvos.org.au/hair-3rs/ or email [email protected] (03 9259 4200)

Hair 3R's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hair3Rs/