A new law requires licensed beauty professionals to take one hour of training in domestic abuse and sexual assault education, and while it may be unlikely that customers would confide such a thing as abuse to the person giving them a shampoo or cut, if it helps one victim, it’s worth it.
Beauty specialists are required to take the course every two years to renew their licenses or when first applying for a license.
“I think it is a great idea for the most part,” said Erica Zarnstorff, a stylist in West Dundee. “I do have some reservations about this new law, however. In the 18 years that I have been in this field, no one has ever confided in me about domestic abuse or sexual assault.”
State Sen. Karen McConnaughay, R-West Dundee, stated in her recent newsletter to constituents, “It’s hoped the additional training will lead to greater help for victims of domestic violence by increasing awareness and offering victims another place to turn for help — especially those who may not feel comfortable going to the authorities.”
That comfort level could cut both ways, Zarnstorff said.
“Many of my regular customers and I have built personal relationships over the years. I worry that they might shy away from talking to me at all if they are afraid that I might uncover suspected abuse. The new law is not mandating that I report any suspicions of abuse, but my customers might not know that,” she said.
As a regular customer of local beauty salons in the Fox Valley, I would find it impossible to tell a hairdresser that I have been a victim of any type of abuse. Beauty salons have separate areas for services, such as shampooing, cutting and styling, manicures, and hair drying., and all are typically crowded with other customers.
How could anyone say something of a sensitive nature to a beauty professional without someone else hearing? Why would a customer want to discuss her very private and personal business in such a public arena?
The law gives beauty professionals until September 2019 to take the training.
“As of yet, the specific guidelines are not in place,” Zamstorff said.
This law was designed to help victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Victims will now have an additional person to go to if they wish to confide in the individual who takes care of their beauty needs.
Linda McDaniel-Hale is a Fox Valley resident who offers opinion on local topics.
