Cut It Out: Concord Salon Professionals Trained in Spotting Domestic Violence

CONCORD, MA—Salon professionals at the Starz Salon in Concord gained new tools Thursday in detecting domestic violence among their clients.

During a Mar. 10 session of Cut it Out, District Attorney Marian Ryan's Domestic Violence initiative, professionals learned how to recognize the signs of domestic violence and about the resources available to help victims.

The program started in 2002, and has become a part of the national program of the Salons Against Domestic Abuse Fund. According to the organization's website, salon professionals can serve as a trusted ear when it comes to reporting domestic violence.

"Research shows that most battered women never call the police or go to a shelter. However, they do usually talk about the abuse with someone they trust. Because salon professionals are skilled and experienced listeners who are personally interested in those around them, many victims suffering from abuse feel comfortable confiding in them - even if they would never tell anyone else. For an abused woman, the salon may be an ideal environment to seek out help because it may be one of the few places she is allowed to go without her abuser."

District Attorney Ryan also held a training on Wednesday at the Elizabeth Grady School in Medford.

Photo via the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office.