Free Domestic Violence Training for Hair and Beauty Salons
Photography: Daryna Barykina, Hair: Cameron LeSiege, MUA: Lilia Budnik, Special Effects: Hilary Warren
Shear Haven has launched in the UK with new ambassador Liz McKeon, salon business expert and is providing free anti-domestic violence training for beauty professionals. The training equips stylists with the knowledge and resources to recognise the signs of domestic violence, successfully navigate conversations with clients who may be in danger, and pass along tools that can help them get to safety.
According to the Office for National Statistics, police in the UK recorded 259,324 domestic abuse offences between March and June 2020, a 7% increase on the same period in 2019. During and after the first lockdown in April, May and June, roughly one-fifth of offences involved domestic abuse.
Salon stylists and therapists and spa professionals have a unique relationship with their clients. The women and men behind the chair are in the perfect position to hear about and see the signs of domestic violence. But many may not have known how to respond. In 2017 YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee and volunteer Susanne Post, a Nashville-based salon owner, stylist, and survivor of domestic violence developed Shear Haven education programme, training salons and stylists in anti-domestic violence training.
"Salons provide a very safe and comforting environment for clients in general” shares with us Liz McKeon “but for a client in an abusive relationship, the salon can be a lifeline because it is a completely non-threatening environment, where the abuser doesn't have access to. If there is physical violence, a therapist can see the impact on the body. Obviously, this is not for therapists to solve, but this training provides invaluable advice on what to say and do. Hopefully, most people working in salons will never encounter the situation, but knowing what to do can actually save a life, should it happen."
A survivor of domestic violence, Susanne is committed to educating the community on the signs of abuse and the resources available to help women and men who are victims. This domestic violence education program equips stylists with the knowledge and resources to recognise the signs of domestic violence, successfully navigate conversations with clients who may be in danger, and pass along tools that can help them get to safety.
The training consists of a 20-minute online session followed by a short quiz. After completion, each participant will receive a personalised certificate of achievement. A few months into the pandemic, Barbicide - the industry leader in safety - teamed up with Susanne and the YWCA to offer the Shear Haven training online. To date, more than 25,000 beauty professionals from around the world have taken the training.
Complete the training here.