Hairdressers can help to cut out domestic abuse

They hope to use the bond of trust between stylist and customer to encourage more women - and men - locked in violent relationships to break their silence.

The scheme is being launched in Wolverhampton which recorded a 38 per cent increase in reported domestic incidents last year and Detective Chief Inspector Michaela Kerr, head of the city's police public protection unit, said: "We are trying to build up support within the community from people who can spot signs of domestic abuse and advise victims where to turn to.

"Nail bars, hairdressers and barbers who have good relationships with regular clients are a great avenue for us to access the victims. I have got to have people in the community helping me so that I can help those affected by domestic abuse. The first port of call does not have to be the police. There are other services prepared to help."

Police have just given Wolverhampton hairdressers their first briefing on domestic abuse and the services available in the city for those who fall victim to it. They were also encouraged to put leaflets on the subject on display in their salons.

DCI Kerr continued: "We want to give them the confidence to have a conversation on the subject if a customer mentions a domestic abuse problem and have the tools to do something about it.

"The recent significant increase in reporting in Wolverhampton suggests improved confidence in the system. We want to make the reporting of domestic abuse as easy and routine as reporting a burglary or damage to a vehicle. It is not shameful and should not be hidden."

Sally Wynne, the 35-year-old boss of Wow Hair and Beauty on Cannock Road, The Scotlands who was among those at the briefing said afterwards: "Hairdressers are in a privileged position and enjoy a particularly close relationship with their customers, many of whom will have known them for years which makes it more likely they will confide in you.

"If I can help one person with the information I learned today, then that would be brilliant. It was interesting to hear that there are organisations other than the police that people in a violent relationship can turn to for help."

Jade Barton, aged 20, and a stylist at Bad Apple Hair in Victoria Street in the city centre, confessed: "I was really shocked when I heard the domestic violence statistics.

"Everyone in our job should have this type of training. Clients trust you with their hair which is really important to them and as a result feel relaxed about confiding in you about personal issues."

John Macklin, an 18-year-old stylist at the same salon, added: "I thought the briefing was a really good idea. Domestic violence is something I had never really thought about but now I know what to say if and when the subject is mentioned."

West Midlands Police aims to roll out the initiative - thought to be the first of its kind in the country - throughout the force after the Wolverhampton pilot scheme.

In the 12 months up to last April, 3121 domestic incidents were reported to police in Wolverhampton. Among those offering practical and emotional support to women suffering in violent relationships is The Haven, a charity that runs six refuges across the city with room for up to 63 women and 100 children.

There were 17,661 reports of domestic violence in the West Midlands during the 12 months up to April 2015 compared to 14,978 the previous year.