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EspañolA salon professional often has a uniquely intimate relationship with his or her clients and can serve as a first line of support for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse. The New York Times recognized this phenomenon in a 2008 article called “Enlisting the Aid of Hairstylists as Sentinels for Domestic Abuse.”
One program that helps train salon professionals to recognize signs of abuse and teach them how to talk about it with their clients is CUT IT OUT, which is a program of the Salons Against Domestic Abuse Fund. CUT IT OUT builds awareness of domestic abuse through: providing awareness materials to be displayed in salons; involving salons in helping local domestic violence agencies with the Adopt-a-Shelter initiative; and educating salon professionals to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients to resources.
Currently, only Illinois and Arkansas require that salon professionals take a course on domestic violence. Illinois Cosmetology Renewal License Domestic Violence Law: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=099-0766 Arkansas Act to Require Cosmetology Students to Have Training in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2017/2017R/Acts/ACT488.pdf
For an article about how salon professionals can help clients experiencing domestic violence, please see “What to Expect at a Domestic Violence Awareness Program for Salon Pros.” https://www.modernsalon.com/374458/what-to-expect-at-a-domestic-violence-awareness-program-for-salon-pros
See the Professional Beauty Association’s Interactive Map to check if your state has required domestic violence training for salon professionals. http://probeauty.org/stateleg/
WomensLaw.org has no relationship or affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services - we provide it for your information only.
