Training Salon Professionals to Help Domestic Abuse Victims
Several years ago, my dad was purchasing a franchise. He kept the nature of the business secret from everyone, in case the deal fell through. I remember begging him to tell me what it was. We played the guessing game and his clue to me was “it’s something everyone needs.” I thought about it for a moment and responded with “you’re buying a trash company!” After negotiations were finished and contracts were signed, I learned that he had purchased SuperCuts in Central Indiana. Haircuts are something that everyone needs, but little did he know his business investment would have such a close connection and play an important role to the field I work in.
Due to the intimate and nurturing nature of receiving a haircut, salon professionals are in a unique position to recognize the warning signs of domestic violence both in their clients and co-workers.
We know that the majority of individuals who are abused never call the police or reach out to a shelter. There are usually two places where they can confide in someone about their abuse: doctors offices and salons. Salon professionals are great listeners and often make victims feel comfortable confiding in them. Salons are also a popular place to ask for help because it may be a place they are allowed to go by their abuser.
With proper training on how to recognize and respond to the signs of abuse, salon professionals can become invaluable and influential community partners in the fight against domestic abuse.
If you would like to receive training on how to recognize and respond to domestic violence, please call us at 317-872-1086 or email Mary-Margaret at msweeney@dvnconnect.org
It takes the entire community to prevent domestic violence. Be part of the solution. #YouAreTheNetwork