Spotting Domestic Abuse: Crisis Center To Train Cosmetologists

TINLEY PARK, IL ? A vital south suburban resource has implemented a new opportunity to train beauty professionals who might encounter victims of domestic violence.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia has been providing critical resources and support for victims of domestic violence for over 45 years. In addition to direct services like housing, counseling and advocacy, the Center also provides education and training for professionals and community members on recognizing and responding to domestic violence.

As part of this effort, the Crisis Center will now offer monthly salon trainings for cosmetology professionals in the south suburbs. Cosmetologists will be trained in how to spot signs of abuse, Crisis Center officials said.

"Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life, so educating professionals who interact with people daily is key to increasing awareness and access to help," said Pam Kostecki, Executive Director of the Crisis Center for South Suburbia. "Salon professionals are in a unique position to recognize signs of abuse, and we want to provide them the knowledge and resources needed to support people experiencing power and control from a loved one."

Per Illinois state law, all cosmetology professionals are required to complete 1 hour of continuing education on domestic violence for their license renewal. The Crisis Center will conduct these trainings on the second Monday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Orland Park Neat Repeats store conference room, 15551 94th Ave., during the months of September, October, and December.

The trainings are open to all local salon professionals seeking to fulfill their continuing education requirement or simply learn more about domestic violence issues. The Crisis Center will provide additional resources and follow-up for any salon professionals with specific questions or clients in need of support services.

Interested professionals should contact our Director of Supportive Services at the Crisis Center for South Suburbia at 708-429-7255 ext. 137 or email us at info@crisisctr.org for more information or to sign up for a session. Together, we can work to end domestic violence in our community.

About the Crisis Center for South Suburbia

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit community organization that provides emergency shelter and other essential services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence and addresses the societal issues that contribute to domestic violence. If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic violence, please call the 24-hour hotline at (708) 429-7233 (SAFE).