Agenda item

Chief Inspector Julie Mead & Stacey Fotheringham

Ch Insp Julie Mead explained that the campaign had come about following a domestic homicide and seeing the devastation it brought to family and friends.  DA victims on average suffered about 30 instances prior to reporting, and often did not know where to go for help.   Cut it Out takes a different approach and gives those who could be confided in, the knowledge of where to signpost that person. 

Kerry McCawley had confided in her hairdresser, Annie, that she thought her partner would kill her.  See link below for interview.  Annie thought it was a figure of speech but he did indeed go on to kill her.  Watch Annie’s video through this link.

Hairdresser Annie Reilly talks about Kerri McAuley - YouTube

The #Cut it Out campaign’s aim is to empower hairdressers, barbers, nail technicians. beauticians, who often saw the same client regularly for years, of how to recognise the signs someone may be in an abusive relationship and where to signpost them.

Before and during lockdown the demand had for the training had been far more than the capacity to deliver.  Hence the training videos were developed.

Julie introduced Stacey who had been her hairdresser for 20 years and had been very keen to get involved having grown up in an abusive household.  The training was fully transferrable to other job settings.  Signs could be anything from:-

·         Late cancellation of appointments

·         Clock watching – not wanting to be away too long, or not wanting to go home.

·         Partner having control of what haircut they had

·         Constant phone calls / texts to find out where they were

·         Partner waiting outside for the appointment to finish

·         Talk of debts

Stacey explained that when she was growing up no one asked any questions.  She was often late to school, unkempt and bullied.  Not one adult at school asked any questions, they just penalised her.  Asking just one question would have made all the difference.  Don’t turn a blind eye.  Fear can be overwhelming, you needed to be patient and stick with them but not judge.  Do not make them feel guilty, it is not their fault.  Do not minimise or justify the unacceptable behaviour and do not confront the abuser as you may make things worse.

Stacey asked everyone, if they suspected anything, to not turn a blind eye, but be brave and question.  Do not judge or make them feel guilty but be there for them, sign post them and be patient.

Julie added that Stacey was the heart and soul of the programme and volunteered all her time to the delivery of the training and also the development of the training package videos.  Julie said she was retiring in a few weeks and the training package would ensure the work carried on.

If anyone wanted access to the training package they could contact Julie - julie.mead@northants.police.uk in the short term but there would be a dedicated #Cut it Out contact in the near future.

The package was of course, developed with in conjunction with the local domestic and sexual abuse agencies.  Contact details below.

Rachel congratulated Julie and Stacey on the training and said Julie would be missed.  She  asked if NADASA could pick this up.  Action: Julie to send Rachel the package and asked for any feedback.

Sarah asked whether anyone ever disclosed any gambling issues, whether their own or a partner and if she knew where to signpost.  Stacey stated it was generally the issue was that of a partner and debts they had gotten into.  Action: Sarah and Stacey speak outside of meeting.

Also, during Julie’s week of action free training was being offered in controlling major bleeds to coincide with further roll out of the bleed packs thanks to fund raising by local charity Off the Streets.

Post meeting Note – due to Covid the training had to be rearranged, it was now:-

Date / time – 2pm, Monday 15 August 2022

Venue – Rectory Farm Community Centre, Olden Road, Rectory Farm, NN3 5DD

The link to book is - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/major-bleed-control-training-tickets-392959110277