Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1528796
Explore your benefits at associatedhairprofessionals.com 21 could endanger you and your colleagues. What you can do is provide a nudge that empowers your clients. If you feel safe asking, it is always OK to ask someone if they need help. If the answer is yes, you can give them the information they need to call and report it. You can offer to let them use your business phone—an abuser might restrict their partner's access to a phone. One cosmetologist says she discreetly provided a hotline number to a client and allowed her to use the salon landline, with positive results. Tubes of lip balm containing hotline numbers can be purchased in bulk online— these can be given to a client if the client does not feel safe talking about their situation. At the end of the day, if your client isn't ready to file a report or leave their suspected abuser, there isn't much you can do. It is rarely a good idea to force a domestic abuse survivor to come forward—that could put them in more danger. Your best move is to offer support and let them know resources are available when they are ready to reach out. e takeaways: State laws differ on what you can do as an observer and what resources are available. Take steps to educate yourself on the signs of domestic violence. Some states now require training as part of your continuing education. If you practice in a state where it is not required, we encourage you to take an elective course so you can spot the signs and know what to do when you see them (see "Safety Training Resources for Beauty Professionals"). Look around for what classes are available in your state and do what fits your budget. As AHP's director of government relations, I will make sure AHP continues to advocate for the protection of the public, including domestic abuse survivors. We will keep you informed as more states move to adopt training measures that impact cosmetologists. For Immediate Assistance If you feel your client needs immediate assistance, refer them to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799- 7233), which offers 24-7 confidential support in English, Spanish, and more than 200 other languages using interpretation services. Those needing assistance can also text "START" to 88788 or use a chat feature through thehotline.org. Safety Training Resources for Beauty Professionals Brilliance Advanced Beauty Education offers an online training course for beauty and wellness professionals for $19. However, it's free if you bundle it with another course. brillianceadvancedbeautyeducation.com Milady offers a one-hour, online training course for $9.95. AHP members can get certified for free as a perk of membership. miladytraining.com Shear Haven offers a free, 20-minute training video followed by a short quiz on its website. e company also provides downloadable materials and tips on responding to domestic violence. shearhaventraining.org