Brainntree hairdressers have received specialist training as part of a campaign geared at encouraging victims of domestic abuse to speak up.

The Cut It Out campaign aims to provide salon staff with specialist training so they have the confidence and knowledge to encourage victims to seek help and support.

A launch event was held at Braintree Council offices and organised by Safer Places, Braintree Community Safety Partnership and Martini’s Hair and Beauty Salon in Braintree.

Tracey Parry, community safety manager for Braintree Council, said: "It’s based on a project that works in America and is centred on the belief that when women go to the hairdressers they often reveal personal information.

“The scheme was rolled out across 50 states in America and 450,000 hairdressers were trained. We thought we would do it on a smaller scale and pilot it with hairdressers in Braintree.”

Staff at Martini’s Hair and Beauty Salon were the first in the area to receive training and offered free hair and nail treatments at the launch event, which raised more than £500 for Safer Places.

Owner Asti Martin said: "I was looking to support a charity at the salon and the Cut It Out Campaign came at a good time.

“We are in a women’s environment and you hear a lot of things and want to be able to help.”

More than £3,000 has been put towards the project by the Police and Crime Commissioner New Initiatives Fund, while the High Sheriff’s Fund has also contributed.

For more information about the Cut it Out Campaign, visit saferplaces.co.uk