Over 50 local businesses help target domestic abuse

Local businesses are supporting a new operation, promoting domestic abuse awareness across the hair and beauty industry.

Created by our Domestic Abuse unit, #OperationPrunella is a domestic abuse initiative which aims to target local hairdressers, barbers, nail salons and beauty salons with the aim of being able to visit these businesses to inform and educate about Claires Law and safeguarding.

PC Emma Byrne said:

“Often when visiting a salon or hairdressers, customers have one-on-one time with their hairdressers and/or beauticians and it encourages clients to ‘chat’.”

Operation Prunella launched on November 3 and began with officers from the Domestic Abuse Unit alongside local PCSOs visiting businesses in Neath. Phase two was rolled out a week later where we visited an area in Port Talbot.

Over the two weeks since launching Operation Prunella, over 50 hairdressers, barbers, nail salons and beauty salons were visited and were willing to work with officers to learn about Claire’s Law and how they can signpost their clients if in need.  

PC Emma Byrne continues:

“While we were out engaging with businesses, a member of the public approached officers as they overheard the information we were relaying to staff. They asked if we could help them. This was a great intervention opportunity for us and highlighted that clients visit these businesses and often offload their ‘woes’, making this operation completely worthwhile.”

Lan, owner of Nails Neath, engaged and took leaflets and posters. Lan said:

“This is a good thing for women. It’s hard for them if they are in a bad relationship. If they come here and open up, like they sometimes do, we can then educate them on how they can get help.”

The next phase of the operation will take place in Swansea, with hopefully many more local businesses wanting to engage and take part.

Today (November 25th) is #WhiteRibbonDay, which is a national day to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the pledge we make never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women and girls.

Women and girls are disproportionately the victims of violence and abuse, and suffer more at the hands of a partner, former partner or family member and sometimes a stranger.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us or someone that you feel comfortable talking to, so that we can take action.

To report a non-emergency incident online

• Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
• Online https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report
• Email [email protected]
• 101

You can also get the help and support available with Live Fear Free, a partnership of domestic abuse services providing a response in South Wales.

View the Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy here: Violence Against Women & Girls - South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (southwalescommissioner.org.uk)