A recently passed Illinois law will now make it mandatory for anyone who works in the barber, cosmetology, esthetic, and nail technology fields to receive training and education so they will be able to recognize any signs of domestic violence or sexual assault a client may be exhibiting.

The Cosmetology-Domestic Violence Act requires that salon professionals receive one hour of training before they can receive or renew their license. The training is one-time only and is not something that will be required on an ongoing basis.

If a salon professional suspects abuse, or has a client confide in them that they are a victim, they are not required to report the abuse to law enforcement. Instead, the training they receive will teach them how to assist the client in obtaining help, such as giving them a domestic violence hotline number the victim can call.

Some of the signs of abuse that salon professionals will be taught to look for include bald spots, bruises, and cuts. Other signs – such as appointments being frequently canceled or the insistence by their partner that they always drive the client to and from their appointments, may also be indicators that something is not right.

In Illinois, from June 2013 through June 2014, there were 84 domestic abuse deaths. Fifteen of those victims were children. Each year, almost 70,000 victims report their abuse to the police. Tragically, there are thousands of more victims who are too scared of their abuser and stay silent. However, there are laws in place which will help domestic abuse victims escape the violence.

Leaving an abusive relationship can be a frightening concept, but staying can be even more dangerous. If a victim decides to leave the abuser, there are often certain critical steps they need to take in order to stay safe. Illinois State Police recommend that when a victim leaves their home, they take the following items:

• ATM cards, checkbook, credit cards, and any cash on hand;
• All forms of identification, such as birth certificates, driver’s license, social security cards, medical insurance cards, and work, school, and/or public assistance identification cards for both yourself and your children;
• All important documents such as house deeds or rental lease, insurance papers, school records, and marriage or divorce records, current unpaid bills;
• Medical records;
• Medications;
• Address book;
• Changes of clothing for yourself and children, as well as any favorite toys of your children;
• Photos and other items of sentimental value; and
• Keys to house, car, and work.

Once a victim leaves, they need to obtain an Order of Protection (OP) or a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to help ensure their safety, as well as the safety of their children. These orders are usually initially granted based on an affidavit from the victim, however, in order to have the order extended, the courts require a hearing where testimony and evidence are presented to a judge.

If you are in a domestic violence situation, contact an experienced DuPage County domestic violence attorney to help you obtain the protection from the courts you need. Call Mulyk Laho Law, LLC today at (630) 852-1100 for a free consultation.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4264&GAID=13&GA=99&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=92032&SessionID=88

https://www.ncadv.org/files/Illinois.pdf

http://www.isp.state.il.us/crime/domesticviol.cfm