Elgin beauty therapist trains to help clients facing domestic abuse
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AN ELGIN beauty therapist has been using lockdown time to learn how to best help clients who show signs of domestic abuse.
Chloe Andrews, owner of Chloe’s Beauty in Elgin's Bishopmill, says it is a cause close to her heart.
She is one of a growing number of beauty therapists to take up the free online training for hair and beauty professionals, entitled Behind the Mask.
As therapists often form close relationships with clients, workers are in a unique position to be able to help. The training aims to equip therapists with the insight on how to respond when clients reveal what’s hidden behind their "mask". Though domestic abuse takes many forms – physical, psychological, sexual, harassing, coercive or controlling – injuries are often masked by clothing or make-up.
Chloe, who has taken on temporary job in Tesco to help with social distancing, said: "To our clients, we are not just beauticians and hairdressers; we offer a listening ear, friendly advice and become their therapists and friends. Someone to talk to, get to know and build trust."
She added that many women who use the services of a hairdresser or beauty therapist will reveal issues that they might not talk about to anyone else, or they may notice injuries or behavioural changes with regular clients.
She added that the training was not about "interfering" but simply suggesting the services of those who are specially trained to help.
"While I hope I never need to use the Behind the Mask training in practice, if I do then I am here to help," she added.
"My beauty room will always be a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space and anything said is kept completely confidential."
Chloe has also now become a Behind The Mask champion, helping to share support and raise awareness of domestic abuse.
