NO MORE Week: How nail & beauty pros can support clients experiencing domestic abuse

NO MORE Week is an annual, international campaign to raise awareness about and take a stand against domestic abuse and sexual violence.

It provides resources for individuals and organisations to take action and make a difference, and you can too as a nail/beauty pro. The focus for 2025 is ‘NO MORE Silence’.

Research shows that a staggering one in four women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in their life, and on average, one woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex every five days in the countries.

Abuse may be psychological, sexual, harassing, coercive, controlling or physical. You form a unique relationship with clients at the nail desk and may notice if a client isn’t quite themselves, or they may confide in you about their situation.

In these scenarios, it is imperative you act appropriately, so read on to find out about training options to help you support clients and staff experiencing domestic abuse…

Behind The Mask 

Julie Knight, founder of Elite Eyelash Extensions and Training Academy, launched the Behind The Mask initiative to ensure that beauty therapists and nail technicians are able to recognise signs of domestic abuse in their clients and team members.

“Behind The Mask offers hair and beauty professionals free access to online learning and resources,” Julie reveals. “This can help them to spot the signs that someone is experiencing domestic abuse, and guide on how to respond in the best way. It’s not about intervening or interfering, but knowing how you can truly help someone who may really need it.”

Her aim with Behind the Mask is to raise awareness of domestic abuse across the UK. “Many of our colleagues don’t recognise the signs and most wouldn’t know what to say or do,” Julie continues. “We may notice something that could lead to a life being saved; it’s as simple as that. Our instincts tell us to say ‘you must leave’, but how unhelpful, impractical and judgmental is that? I want others to feel confident to explore their concerns, and meaningful help to be available.”

Find out more by visiting www.behindthemask.online

Shear Haven Domestic Violence Training

Salon business expert, Liz McKeon, is an ambassador for Shear Haven anti-domestic violence salon training for the UK and Ireland.

“This gives industry professionals the confidence to recognise and deal with vulnerable clients,” she reveals. “It consists of a 20-minute training session, followed by a short quiz. After completion, you receive a personalised certificate of achievement. It can be printed out or shared via social media.

“This domestic violence education programme equips professionals with the knowledge and resources to recognise the signs of domestic violence, successfully navigate conversations with clients who may be in danger, and pass along tools that can help them get to safety,” Liz continues. “It is free of charge, in order to reach as many people as possible.”

Find out more by clicking here and watching Scratch’s interview with Liz below…