Illinois Law Helps Beauty Professionals Report Domestic Abuse

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We are a safe space for our clientele, and oftentimes they disclose information to us, their spa professional, that they haven't told anyone else. If they reveal abuse at home, what can you say and what can you do? A new Illinois law helps prep beauty professionals by training them on the signs of abuse and providing resources for victims.

Addressing Abuse With Education

Per a new Illinois law, hair stylists, barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technicians will be required to take part in an hour of mandated abuse-preventing training as a part of their licensing.

The training will focus on spotting signs of abuse, along with ways of providing resources to the victims. However, the law doesn’t require the professional to report violence but does protect them from liability if they do. 

"The main goal is to get victims of domestic violence professional help if they want it. It could be as simple as providing their client with a phone number." - Senator Bill Cunningham

Stories of Abuse from the Barber Chair

Supported by State Senator Bill Cunningham, the law found support among many legislators and beauty professionals. Senator Bill Cunningham’s wife, a hair stylist, would often tell him about how women would bring up stories of abuse in her barber chair. 

This prompted drafting of legisation that would address these concerns. Local professional beauty group, Cosmetologist Chicago, helped create the measure which allowed beauty professionals to become involved or not. 

Commenting on the need for this, Senator Bill Cunningham said, "The main goal is to get victims of domestic violence professional help if they want it. It could be as simple as providing their client with a phone number." 

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