Hairdressers and beauticians from across Northern Ireland joined a training session on recognising domestic abuse. The event took place at Malone House in Belfast on March 30. About 50 local businesses participated.

Police Service of Northern Ireland and Policing and Community Safety Partnerships organised the session, named 'Behind the Smile'. Speakers included police officers, victim support agency representatives, and individuals with personal experience of abuse. The focus was on coercive control, which involves manipulation, isolation, monitoring, intimidation, and physical abuse.

South Belfast Area Commander Superintendent Finola Dornan addressed participants. She noted that domestic abuse lacks obvious signs. Coercive control operates subtly over time and causes serious harm, she stated.

Hairdressers and beauticians form close bonds with clients and might detect unusual changes or hear disclosures in a secure setting, Superintendent Dornan said. The training taught them to identify indicators and respond without risk while directing clients to help services.

Domestic abuse strikes across all social groups, according to Superintendent Dornan. She stressed that secure locations aid in revealing concealed harm and encouraged reports from victims or concerned parties.

Police in Northern Ireland log a domestic abuse call every 16 minutes, recent data indicate. The PSNI treats all reports with gravity and offers support.