Living-Deliberately.com

I recently heard of this program, that is growing internationally, that encourages hairdressers and salons to help women escape domestic violence. What often happens, is that while sitting in the chair with wet hair, a woman will open up and confide in her hairdresser. Also, signs of abuse are sometimes apparent to hairdressers. Through the Adopt-A-Shelter program, salons can network with area resources and help a woman make contacts to empower escape while getting their hair done.

The women who told me of this program said that locally, women who are followed and watched by abusive men, have found that “getting their hair done” is sometimes an acceptable “cover”, buying them precious time to get away from a dangerous situation and showing them immediate resources and support, when they otherwise may have felt overwhelmed, alone, and too vulnerable to actually make the first steps away.

The time right after leaving her abuser is the most dangerous; everything is heightened and chaotic and unpredictable. Having an instant support network is vital to the success and safety of the woman and children, who need the violence to stop.

How you can help: the site has a donation page. You can also educate the salon you use and encourage them to be a part.

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