WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of Valentine’s Day, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced the bipartisan Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor (SALONS) Stories Act to incentivize domestic violence awareness training for cosmetologists and beauty professionals.

Tennessee passed landmark legislation to give beauty professionals these necessary skills, serving as a model for states around the nation. 

“Domestic violence is a tragic epidemic in the United States, impacting millions of women every year who often suffer in silence,” said Senator Blackburn. “Given their close relationship with their clients, beauty professionals have the unique opportunity to be a first line of defense against domestic violence by identifying the signs of abuse and helping victims and survivors escape dangerous situations. The SALONS Stories Act would help save the lives of vulnerable and isolated women across the country, and the nation should follow Tennessee’s lead by equipping cosmetologists to recognize and support victims of domestic violence.”

“Victims of domestic violence often don’t know where to turn or who to talk to, but they do often continue going to their salons—which puts beauty professionals in a unique position of potentially being among the first people who can recognize signs of abuse,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to join Senator Blackburn in reintroducing our bipartisan bill, which builds on Illinois’s 2017 law, to help more beauty professionals access free domestic violence awareness training that can give them the tools and knowledge they need to help victims effectively. How they handle these critical moments could be life-saving.”

“No state, no community, and no family is immune to the horrors of domestic violence.  In Maine, domestic violence has historically been involved in approximately half of annual homicides. That’s unacceptable,” said Senator Collins. “Ending domestic violence requires an all hands on deck approach, and the SALONS Act would equip cosmetologists with the tools they need to join the fight. It’s a bipartisan, commonsense idea that has the potential to save lives.”  

“With nearly 20 percent of Hawaii’s residents having experienced domestic violence, it’s critical we do more to prevent this violence and support survivors,” said Senator Hirono. “By expanding opportunities for beauty professionals to participate in domestic violence awareness training, the SALON Stories Act would create another avenue survivors can turn to for help and support. I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this lifesaving legislation.”

“Domestic violence often goes underreported because victims are unable to confide in others and the signs of mistreatment can be difficult to identify,” said Senator Boozman. “Cosmetologists, who routinely build trust and close familiarity with their clients, can help break down those barriers. Encouraging states to adopt programs that help them recognize signs of domestic violence can bring victims one step closer to the resources and support needed to escape dangerous, abusive situations.”

“We must do everything we can to prevent human trafficking. That includes thinking outside the box so we can reach the people who need help the most,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation is another step in the fight to end trafficking by increasing the number of beauty professionals who are trained to identify and intervene in domestic violence.”

“Too often, victims of domestic violence are discouraged from seeking the help they need because they don’t know who to turn to or confide in,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan bill would equip community members like beauty professionals—who have close, personal relationships with many of their clients—with the tools to recognize signs of domestic violence and intervene to ensure survivors get the help they need.” 

• One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime.

• In the United States, three women are killed each day by an intimate partner. 

• To support state initiatives at the federal level, the SALONS Stories Act would provide grants to states that have in place laws requiring cosmetologists to undergo free and easily accessible domestic violence awareness training.

• This legislation would also preserve states’ autonomy in setting their cosmetology standards while incentivizing lifesaving legislation. 

View the bill text here.

The Professional Beauty Association, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Shear Haven, YWCA USA, and YWCA Nashville have endorsed this legislation.