Victims of domestic violence often do not know where to turn to protect themselves and their children. New Jersey law provides protections to the victims of domestic abuse, but individuals are often unaware of how to access help. Others might know about the services that are available, but they may be scared to utilize them, fearing that their abusers will harm or kill them if they reach out.

USA Today recently reported about an interesting organization that has trained salon professionals here in New Jersey and in other states to indentify and aid the victims of domestic violence.

The organization is called “Cut It Out,” and it trains hairstylists, massage therapists, manicurists and others to identify whether their clients may be victims of domestic violence. The salon professionals are also taught how to gently refer their clients to battered women’s shelters and other victims’ support groups when they suspect abuse.

Because salon workers provide a one-on-one service, they are in a unique situation to learn a bit about the personal lives of their clients. In addition to picking up information through conversations, “Cut It Out” teaches salon workers to make sense of bumps and bruises, damaged hair, missed appointments and anxiety. They might also notice that a client’s spouse or partner is controlling regarding hair color and style.

In the past five years, more than 900 people have received this training. It is not clear how many victims of domestic violence these salon workers may have gone on to help.

New Jersey law allows those who are married, living together or dating to obtain orders of protection, or restraining orders, to protect themselves from further harm. Under the New Jersey Security and Financial Empowerment Act, victims have the right to take time off from work to protect themselves or to recover from domestic violence, and their jobs are required to be waiting for them upon return.

Victims of domestic violence should speak with a lawyer who is highly experienced in prosecuting these cases.  The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act is technical and sometimes leads deserving plaintiffs to obtain incorrect or less than comlpete results.

Source:  USA Today, “Mass. stylists taught to spot domestic violence,” Denise Lavoie, Feb. 2, 2014