We have unique relationships with our clients given the personal nature of our services. We joke about being therapists in the counselling sense as we’re great listeners in a caring profession and our space is often considered safe. 
A client’s time with us may be one of the few opportunities they get to be alone. Their time with us is an opportunity to notice something that may not be right. That time may be the time when they share something of concern . . How you respond may very well change or save someone’s life. 
 
A staggering 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and on average, 2 women are killed each week. Sadly, they are likely to be our clients. They may also be colleagues or even family or friends. 
 
Domestic abuse is often thought to be physical violence but it’s far more complex than that. It’s now recognised as being psychological, sexual, harassing, coercive or controlling behaviour that includes financial control too. 
 
It’s not easy to spot but if you know what to look for, you will notice potential tell-tale signs. It may be that a regular client may not be as chatty as usual or appear somewhat anxious or withdrawn. Their usually pristine nails may be broken. If they are ‘masking’ physical injuries, they may be overdressed for the weather or more heavily made up. They may appear uncomfortable getting on and off the treatment couch or chair.  
 
Some abusing behaviours may affect their appointments. They may ask you to change their treatment as their partner didn’t like it. You may notice that they ‘have to’ respond to calls or messages, need receipts, in a hurry or they may be escorted and accompanied to appointments.
 
Those experiencing it may not tell anyone for many reasons. Fear for themselves or others is common and another factor may be that they don’t recognise that what is happening is wrong. My daughter didn’t. Twice. 

That can be the power of control and coercion. Some clients do tell and sometimes when we’re not expecting it. Would you know what to do or say? Given my personal and professional experience as a police officer (before retiring) who runs a busy lash business, I’ve noticed the signs and reached out to 8 clients over the past 10 years. It’s not about intervening, interfering or trying to solve someone else’s problems – it’s about having the confidence and know-how to signpost them to those who have the expertise and resources to help. Allowing someone to use your phone to call a helpline for advice is such a simple thing to be able to do for someone as any internet browsing or call history is on your phone and not theirs. 
 
If you think that someone is in danger, doing nothing is not an option. You should pass responsibility to someone in authority and this is usually the police. Any decision to act sits then sits with them, not you. If you struggle with this thought. Think about the power of hindsight and what you may wished that you had done. . . 
 
It find out more about how you can help to change or save a life, I’ve created FREE online training called Behind the Mask that over 86,000 of our colleagues have taken. Over 2000 have been in touch to say how it’s helped them to help others. Set aside just 22 minutes of your time to watch 3 short videos at www.behindthemask.online
 
Thank you for doing something amazing today.
Julie Knight 
Founder and creator of Behind the Mask