Middlesex DA Marian Ryan Presents "Cut It Out" Program to Minuteman High School Students

By Judy Bass

When most women go to the salon, they expect a haircut, facial, manicure, or other beauty-related services.

If they are being impacted by domestic violence, however, they may also receive life-changing referrals to local resources, thanks to the “Cut It Out” program.

“Cut It Out” is based upon the friendly relationship and emotional connection that many women have with their hairdresser. Because of that familiarity, hairdressers and cosmetologists, as well as culinary experts and other professionals, often detect the physical signs of domestic violence and can offer women referrals to appropriate agencies or organizations. “Cut It Out” trains them how to do so.

This initiative, which originated in Alabama in 2002 and is sponsored by the Professional Beauty Association Foundation, was recently introduced to Cosmetology and Culinary Arts students at Minuteman High School in Lexington by Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan. After she made a presentation about it to the students, they provided complimentary salon services such as manicures and hair styling to several clients served by two local organizations that assist victims of domestic abuse – the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence and REACH Beyond Domestic Violence.

With District Attorney Ryan were Minuteman’s Superintendent, Dr. Edward A. Bouquillon, and Interim Principal Jack Dillon.

Concluding the day was a lunch prepared for the guests by the school’s Culinary Arts students in Minuteman’s student-run restaurant, the Fife and Drum.

Describing the aim of “Cut It Out,” Ryan said in a press release, “This program seeks to provide students with information at the earliest stage of their careers. We seek to give the students the knowledge and confidence needed to be the bridge between victims and community-based domestic violence programs. Salon and culinary professionals can play important roles in helping to support clients who may be coping with domestic violence.”

Minuteman’s Director of Cosmetology, Cynthia DeMaio, noted, “Cosmetologists develop such a close relationship with their clients. The ‘Cut It Out’ program is instrumental in confronting a difficult topic and teaching aspiring cosmetologists the important role they can play in providing the right resources to victims of domestic violence.”

She continued, “The students were very interested in the topics presented. They also found it very rewarding to pamper women who have been through so much. Our guests were so happy to have received complimentary hair services and manicures, not to mention lunch in the Fife and Drum.”

One of the Minuteman students who participated in the “Cut It Out” event, Sara DeCotis of Somerville, appreciatively commented, “The presentation was wonderfully executed and well-received. It was an important message to deliver to students, and I found working with the women quite rewarding. Ms. Ryan should be commended for her efforts and enthusiasm. Thanks!”

Minuteman is an award-winning regional high school that gives its graduates a competitive edge in the new global economy by providing them with a high-quality career and technical education, coupled with a rigorous grounding in mathematics, English, science, and social studies.

At Minuteman, students can currently major in 19 career and technical education programs at the same time they take rigorous academic courses, similar to those in traditional academic high schools. Minuteman offers a wide selection of academic courses and programs, including foreign languages (Spanish, French and Latin), art, Advanced Placement courses, and Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It also offers a wide range of sports and does not charge any fees to participate.