Hairdressers, beauticians and other client-facing businesses from across the Borough came together at the Dunadry Hotel on 29 June for Behind The Smile, an awareness event designed to help trusted professionals recognise the signs of domestic abuse and coercive control and understand how to respond safely and confidently.
The event, which attracted 55 attendees, was delivered by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in partnership with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Antrim and Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), with specialist presentations from Women’s Aid ABCLN and ASSIST.
Behind The Smile recognises the unique position hairdressers, beauticians and aesthetic practitioners hold within their communities. Through regular appointments and trusted relationships, they often create safe spaces where clients may feel comfortable enough to talk, or where changes in behaviour or appearance may become noticeable. The event aimed to equip attendees with the confidence to recognise potential signs of abuse, respond appropriately and signpost individuals to specialist support services.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came from Constable Jodie King, who shared her own lived experience of domestic abuse. Speaking candidly about her journey, she explained how joining the Police Service five years ago had enabled her to ‘turn her pain into power’. Now serving as the Violence Against Women and Girls Officer for South Belfast, Constable King encouraged attendees to recognise the important role they can play in supporting those who may be experiencing abuse.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, commended the initiative and emphasised the importance of the training, saying, “Behind The Smile is an important initiative that recognises the valuable role hairdressers and beauty professionals can play in supporting those affected by domestic abuse and violence against women and girls. As trusted members of our communities, they are often well placed to notice when someone may need help.
By increasing awareness and understanding of the support available, this programme helps strengthen our collective response to violence against women and girls and contributes to building safer, more supportive communities for everyone.”
Chairperson of PCSP, Councillor Kirkpatrick highlighted the importance of practical and accessible support in communities, saying, “Domestic and sexual abuse continues to be one of the most critical issues facing our communities, and it remains a key priority for PCSP. Our commitment is not only to raise awareness but to support real solutions that empower individuals, families and professionals to respond with confidence and compassion.”
Vice-chairperson of PCSP, Karen Kerr also acknowledged the contributions of the many agencies and individuals involved in the initiative, saying, as “This programme reflects the strong partnership between PSNI, the PCSP and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and our shared commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. Behind The Smile highlights the vital role that trusted professionals, such as hairdressers, beauty therapists and aesthetic practitioners, can play in recognising the signs of abuse and helping individuals access support.”
The event also featured a key address from Chief Inspector Ciara Mullan from the PSNI, who reinforced the PSNI’s ongoing role in partnership-based prevention and support. Chief Inspector Mullan said, “Supporting victims and tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority for the PSNI. Domestic abuse can often be hidden from view, particularly where coercive and controlling behaviour is involved. By working closely with our partners and empowering trusted members of the community to recognise the signs of abuse, we are strengthening our collective response and ensuring victims know they are not alone.”
The event equipped trusted professionals to recognise the signs of abuse, respond safely and confidently and refer individuals to specialist support. Positive feedback from attendees highlighted increased awareness and confidence, with many describing the training as practical, informative and empowering.
Supporting this event reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to fostering a community where victims of domestic and sexual violence are supported and where everyone has a role to play in ensuring safety and wellbeing.
For more information and other resources, including the Antrim and Newtownabbey Domestic and Sexual Abuse Community Toolkit, contact Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP on E. pcsp@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/toolkit
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