A European project involving students, professionals and local organisations to transform hair and beauty salons into places of listening, awareness and guidance.
On Thursday 9 April 2026, Apro Formazione hosted the presentation event for GBV Watch Salons, a European project aimed at strengthening the role of beauty sector professionals in the prevention of and response to domestic violence and gender-based violence.
Developed within an international partnership and implemented in Italy with the involvement of Apro Formazione and Confartigianato Imprese Cuneo, the initiative was created to promote dedicated training pathways for students and professionals in beauty therapy, hairdressing and wellbeing.
The idea behind the project is clear: to enhance the role of those who work closely with people every day by providing them with useful tools to recognise possible signs of distress, respond with sensitivity, and refer individuals to specialised local support services. In this way, beauty salons and beauty centres can become widespread points of attention and first-line guidance, able to make a concrete contribution to the wider prevention and support network.
During the event, the training modules to be introduced in the 2026–2027 academic year were presented, with a particular focus on interpersonal skills and the importance of an approach that is respectful, empathetic and fully aware of one’s professional role.
The event featured contributions from Dr Gloria Reggio, psychologist, and Sonia Delfinetti and Elisa Revelli, social workers at the Alba-Bra Anti-Violence Centre, who explored the themes of prevention, reception and support, and local multi-agency cooperation. Their contributions highlighted just how essential collaboration between services, institutions and the education and training sector is in building effective and timely responses.
Further activities are planned over the coming months, including the development of a practical non-intervention guide for sector professionals and additional dedicated training sessions. The aim is to continue expanding a network of aware, well-prepared professionals who are able to play an active role in preventing gender-based violence.
“GBV Watch Salons represents a concrete opportunity to train beauty sector professionals and students not only from a technical perspective, but also from a human and social one,” said Maura Reolfi, Head of the Apro Formazione Alba site. “Providing tools to recognise and respond to situations of violence means helping to build a community that is more attentive, better prepared and more able to take action, including through everyday gestures and relationships of trust.”
For further information:
Irene Miretti
Project Manager
