Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) are advocating for legislation that would require domestic violence awareness training for cosmetologists and beauty professionals. The Senators spoke with NBC News about their new bill, the SALONS Stories Act, which aims to incentivize all 50 states to implement similar training programs to those already successful in Tennessee, Illinois, and Arkansas. The proposed legislation would provide grant money to states that require aspiring cosmetologists to take a domestic violence prevention training course in order to obtain their licenses.

Nashville hairstylist Susanne Post, who herself is a survivor of domestic abuse, initiated a program called Shear Haven, an online course that teaches salon and barber shop workers how to identify signs of domestic abuse. Post emphasized the close relationships between cosmetologists and their clients, stating that they are "uniquely positioned" to recognize warning signs. She shared, "I really saw the value in having someone who has close relationships with their clients … who they’ve developed friendships with year after year, month after month."

The Shear Haven course, developed in collaboration with the YWCA in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, has trained an estimated 100,000 beauty professionals worldwide since its inception in 2017. Sharon Roberson, president of YWCA Nashville and Middle Tennessee, praised the training, noting that lives have been saved as a result. She highlighted the importance of educating salon professionals about the nuances of domestic violence and providing them with the necessary resources to support victims.

The training curriculum covers both physical and nonphysical signs of abuse. It teaches beauty professionals how to ask the right questions and direct victims to appropriate resources. The course also emphasizes the role of salon workers in creating a safe space for clients. Taylor Stewart, owner of Lash Remedy in Nashville, shared her experience of using the Shear Haven training in her salon. She stated, "It’s so not about the services I’m providing. It’s about this space that I’ve made for women to be safe, and to me, that is so important and so powerful."

Senators Blackburn and Duckworth believe that more states should adopt similar training programs to help combat domestic violence. They aim to incentivize other states to participate in these programs rather than mandating their implementation. The Senators liken their proposal to existing efforts in establishments like bars and airports, where signs and training are provided to help victims of sex trafficking. Duckworth stated, "This is a no-brainer. It’s so logical."

The SALONS Stories Act is an important step towards equipping salon workers with the knowledge and resources to identify and support victims of domestic violence. By incentivizing training programs nationwide, this legislation aims to create a network of beauty professionals who can play a crucial role in addressing this pervasive issue.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2023/12/icymi-in-nbc-news-senators-push-for-salon-workers-to-be-trained-to-spot-signs-of-domestic-violence