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Salons of Hope, Wichita, Kansas, Cutting Out Domestic Violence
Starting in October 2004, a new program was launched by theYWCA Wichita with a goal of reaching victims of domestic violence at the neighborhood level. The program called Salons of Hope is collaboration between the YWCA and the Wichita Police Department that aims to involve salons in the fight against domestic violence. The goal of the program is to make salons a safe place where victims of domestic violence can receive information and resources for help. The program was endorsed by Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline in August of 2005 who plans to implement the model program throughout the state.
Why Salon Professionals?
Salons can provide an important link between women and the help they need. We know that often women are more comfortable talking to their stylist than they are talking to their families and friends. The “styling chair” is often a place of comfort that makes women feel as though they can speak what is on their minds or talk about their problems. Additionally, stylists are privy to bruises, bald spots, and other signs of abuse that the rest of us may not see. For these reasons, Salons are in a unique position to offer help to victims of domestic violence. Training for stylists will be provided by the Wichita Police Department, City Prosecutor's Domestic Violence Unit, and the YWCA so that stylists are comfortable talking about and offering help to victims.
Who Can Participate?
Any hair stylist, colorist, barber, manicurist, etc. who works at a salon in Sedgwick County is eligible to participate. As a partner in the Salons of Hope program stylists are not required to make police reports about information a client may confide.
Training Information
Participation and training for Salons of Hope is free! All printed materials, posters, window decals and salon brochures are provided to each salon that completes training. The YWCA and Wichita Police Department will provide trained instructors to provide basic information on domestic violence and specific information on how to interact and provide help to a person who might be a victim of abuse. Training will include:
• Identifying the signs of domestic violence;
• Making a woman feel comfortable enough to talk about her abuse;
• Offering resources and support for women.
How Can You Participate?
To register salon professionals for the upcoming training sessions, or to schedule a training session in your salon, please call the YWCA Administrative Offices at (316) 263-7501 or you can click here. |