Medford Voc-Tech Students Undergo Domestic Violence Training

MEDFORD, MA – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as part of the Middlesex District Attorney’s ongoing commitment to addressing this issue District Attorney Marian Ryan addressed 25 Medford Vocational Technical High School cosmetology students on ways to spot signs of domestic violence and how to safely refer clients to local community service providers as part of the Cut It Out Middlesex Program. District Attorney Ryan was joined by State Representative Christine Barber, Medford School Superintendent Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent, Medford Police Detective Jim Ricciardi, High Risk Program Coordinator Victoria Heldberg from RESPOND Inc. and Portal to Hope Founder Deborah Fallon.

Students attending today’s training learned the importance of educating salon professionals, who are in a unique position to observe physical injuries on their clients’ heads, faces, arms, and hands -- signs that may point to domestic violence. Because they tend to build long-standing relationships with their clients, salon professionals may also serve as a client’s confidante, offering a window of opportunity to intervene when domestic violence is made known or suspected.

In an effort to expand Cut It Out training across the Commonwealth, District Attorney Ryan has partnered with State Representative Christine Barber to spearhead legislation that would require licensed aestheticians, barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, hairdressers, manicurists, and massage therapists to complete domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training.

This training is part of the public-private partnership started by District Attorney Ryan in 2009 to bring the national domestic violence prevention program Cut It Out to high school vocational programs, professional training academies and private salons across Middlesex County. The program also introduces and aligns participants with domestic violence service agencies, as well as specialized domestic violence officers from local police departments. Following the program students provided salon services and free lunch to local survivors of domestic violence. To date, District Attorney Ryan has trained over 2,300 individuals through the Cut It Out Program.

Domestic violence is a major public safety and public health issue. The World Health Organization estimates that one in three women experience sexual or physical violence. This new bill recognizes the value of expanding education about domestic violence and sexual assault in a community setting.

For more information visit: https://www.middlesexda.com/sites/middlesexda/files/uploads/middlesex_cut_it_out_2015.pdf

Press release and photo submitted by the Middlesex District Attorney's office