A Bribie island hairdresser who founded a program aimed at helping people suffering domestic violence and elder abuse wants all hairdressers to undergo mandatory training in how to provide support to victims.
Sonia Colvin has been a hairdresser for 35 years and says she'd helped 139 people since starting Hairdressers for Hearts three years ago.
With the help of domestic violence experts, Ms Colvin has developed an online training course aimed at teaching hairdressers, barbers and beauty therapists how to recognise the signs of abuse, know what to say and point clients in the right direction for support.
"It's an awareness training. So knowing how to say the right thing at the right time, and give the right resources for help," Ms Colvin said.
If you need someone to talk to, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.