Cosmetologists Combat Domestic Violence

Aug. 18, 2004 -- Sometimes carefully arranged hair may conceal a bruise. Maybe a woman's cell phone constantly rings with calls from a possessive boyfriend as her stylist trims her bangs. Or a woman's reluctance to change into a robe for highlights leads her to confide that she's been hurt.

Whatever the reason, cosmetologists often are on the front lines of witnessing the effects of domestic violence and glimpsing controlling relationships. In the past, salon professionals might have been able to lend a sympathetic ear, but they may not have known the correct way to steer their clients to help.

Under the "Cut It Out" program, cosmetologists are being trained how to recognize the signs of abuse and to provide domestic violence resources to those who need them.

"Hairdressers have license to touch — they become a friend, tell you everything about them, you tell them everything about you," said Vilma Colon Cobb of Salon ABC in Columbia, S.C. "We go through their divorces, the birth of their children, there's a connection there. … It's not like going to a doctor or going to a preacher. Your cosmetologist is your friend — she's equal with you."

Sponsored by the National Cosmetology Association, Clairol Professional and Southern Living at Home, Cut It Out just marked its first anniversary in 11 states. Eight more will join this fall, and the goal is to have people trained in every state by the end of 2005.

"This program is different in the sense that we make it very clear to the industry that we do not want to turn people in salons into counselors," said Gordon Miller, executive director of the National Cosmetology Association. "It's not what they're trained to be. It's not safe for them to be. It's more a community activism program and an awareness program."

In addition to the training sessions, salons display posters and distribute "safety cards" that detail resources for domestic violence help. According to the program, 17,500 posters have been distributed, as have 7,300 safety card kits, and 400 salons have asked for safety card refills.