By: Blake Haas
BLOOMINGTON – Hairdressers in Illinois now have the tools to make you look and feel great and potentially save lives in the process.
Governor Rauner passed a new law that will take effect Jan. 1, 2017, that will require hairdressers to receive training to recognize any evidence of Domestic Abuse in their clients hair.
Licensed hairdressers will now have to under go a one-hour class every two years to fulfill their license requirements.
Mid Central Community Action Center in Bloomington is spreading awareness across McLean County on how to spot signs of Domestic Abuse. Mid Community Action Center spokesman Matt Drat said that the hairstylist in McLean County can be a real ally to Domestic Violence.
“Hairstylist and people in that industry here in McLean County with the right set of resources can be a real ally and advocate to those experiencing Domestic Violence,” said Mid Central Community Action Center spokeswoman Senna Adjabeng who adds that the hairdressers will be looking for unexplainable spots on the scalp.
“They are looking for tender spots on the scalp, or unexplainable bruising along the hairline,” said Adjabeng. “Its similar to what emergency rooms have now which is an assessment where they are able to see where some of those bruises might be hidden.”
Adjabeng said that hairdressers in McLean county will act as an ally for Domestic Abuse victims.
“We have been in touch with a lot of hairdressers and salons,” said Adjabeng. “They told us that their clients tell them everything from what’s going on with their marriage, their kids and other things in their life. That is a really great avenue for Domestic Violence survivors to get some resources.”
Mid Central Community Action Center in Bloomington offers a one-hour class to help the businesses in Bloomington spot Domestic Abuse.
Blake Haas can be reached at Blake.Haas@cumulus.com
