NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Licensed barbers, cosmetologists, and salon owners across Tennessee are being urged to complete their mandatory domestic violence training by Dec. 31. The initiative comes as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
Why the Training Is Required
In 2021, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a law requiring all licensed beauty professionals to undergo free domestic violence training, available online or in person. The program teaches professionals how to:
- Recognize signs of abuse
- Respond appropriately to clients in danger
- Connect victims with helpful resources
Failure to complete the training will result in an invalid professional license, according to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI).
Progress and Participation
TDCI reports that over 71,000 beauty professionals have completed the training, leaving nearly 2,000 licensees who still need to fulfill the requirement.
Edward Lightford of Chop & Kutz Barbershop highlighted the importance of the training for barbers.
“When people come to the barber shop, they talk about things that they might not be comfortable talking to their spouse, friends, or anybody else about,” Lightford said. “You never know what people are really going through. They come to the barber shop to get a lot of stuff out. So, yeah, I feel like that’ll help a lot.”
About Shear Haven Domestic Violence Training
The Shear Haven Domestic Violence Training equips stylists and barbers with the knowledge and resources to safely identify and support domestic violence victims. While the program does not require licensees to become mandatory reporters, it helps them act as a bridge to safety for clients in need…