Hairdressers across the region will tonight be given the rundown on the social scourge that is domestic violence.

Not because they're any more vulnerable or exposed, but because they're sure to have clients who are experiencing violence been perpetrated on them in their own homes.

All Bay of Plenty hairdressers from Katikati, Tauranga, Te Puke, Whakatane, Waihi and Papamoa are invited a free one hour presentation on how they can be involved in preventing family violence.

The venue is Tauranga's Hillier Centre at 31 Gloucester Road Arataki from 7.30pm to 8pm.

And why hairdressers? Because they care about their clients, they talk to their clients, they have a captive audience and they can share things.

The session will cover basic facts about family violence, how to recognise it in clients and simple actions that hairdressers can take to help clients and refer them on to professionals.

One hairdresser told SunLive that salons are more than just a place to have your hair cut. 'We are family and we want to reach out and help you.

'Family violence has been a problem in our area so we shouldn't be afraid to ask people if they have been affected and tell them where they can get advice and help.”

The presenter will be Gloria Eves from the Taupo Violence Intervention Network which has successfully run a similar project.

On the 'It's not OK' website you can see what this might look like for you and your business. http://areyouok.org.nz/i-want-change/business/hairdressers-project/

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of family violence in the OECD with one in three women experiencing physical and sexual violence from a partner in their lifetime.

This means hairdressers will have clients who are experiencing domestic violence and they should be equipped to help.

This project's driven by champions from 'It's ok to ask for help” projects in Tauranga.