Cut It Out

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The Cut It Out campaign provides the education, awareness and skills that permits salon professionals to safely refer clients to community resources.

About Cut It Out

Violence against women occurs in every neighborhood and has devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities. Too often, victims are forced to endure the abuse alone and are isolated from places they could possibly turn to for safety and support. Because of the unique relationship that exists between salon professionals and clients, salon professionals can often spot signs of physical abuse that others may never see. They have the opportunity to play a key role in assisting victims of domestic violence by being educated through a program called Neighbour’s, Friends and FamiliesCUT IT OUT.

CUT IT OUT is a provincial project of the Neighbour’s, Friends and Families campaign that builds awareness of domestic violence and educates salon professionals on how to recognize warning signs, respond appropriately, and safely refer clients to resources that can help them.

Although the program provides information on domestic violence, it is not designed to train salon professionals to become domestic violence counselors.

News & Events

Co-workers urged to watch for the signs

February 19, 2013 | The Observer

Tracy Rogers

Image: Tracy Rogers provides free seminars to assist workers to recognize colleagues who may be victims of domestic violence. She is the facilitator at the Sarnia Lambton Coordinating Committee on Violence Against Women.

It’s been eight years since nurse Lori Dupont was stabbed to death by her ex-lover at Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital in Windsor.

He happened to be a doctor and a co-worker who then committed suicide.

The inquest that followed revealed that many of Dupont’s colleagues knew there was extreme tension between the pair and were very uncomfortable working with the two.

After the inquest, the Ontario government’s Bill 168 was legislated to try to combat the kind of violence against women in the workplace that cost Dupont her life.

Bill 168 requires employers to train workers about what to watch for and how to respond if they suspect abuse or the risk of domestic violence, says Tracy Rogers of the Sarnia-Lambton Coordinating Committee on Violence Against Women.

“It’s about raising awareness of the warning signs,” she said. “The more you know, the more you can help others at risk.”

Rogers is available to make 1.5-hour presentations in the workplace free-of-charge. The presentations are made possible by the Neighbours, Friends and Families public education campaign.

Already, Rogers has talked to numerous classes at Lambton College, as well as several local workplaces.

Warning signs indicating that something may be wrong with a co-worker include withdrawal, bruising, unexplained injuries, sickness or alcohol abuse.

“If you suspect something, go to a supervisor,” said Rogers. “Or speak from your heart and talk to the individual. Tell them you are observing something that doesn’t seem right.”

Sometimes it’s appropriate to give them brochures or referrals to local agencies that could help.

“When you think about how much time we spend with our co-workers, we often know something is not right,” said Rogers. “But we don’t know what to do.

“Everyone has a role to play to create safe and supportive work environments and address domestic violence in the workplace.”

A two-day workshop is being offered as part of the campaign on April 8 and 9 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 in Sarnia. The workshop is for company representatives so they can go back to their workplaces and convey the message.

Rogers is available for presentations by calling the Sarnia-Lambton Coordinating Committee on Violence Against Women at 519-786-4053 or emailing ccvawsarnialambton@gmail.com.

Click here to access original article via The Observer

Cut It Out on CBC | Windsor Morning

Local hair stylists are receiving training under a program called "Cut it Out: Salons Against Domestic Abuse." We spoke to Barb MacQuarrie from the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women at Western University in London... Watch the news clip here


Windsor hairstylists learn to spot signs of domestic abuse

Cut It Out is helping hairstylists use their postion of trust with clients to recognize abused women.  "There's a lot of confidentiality, a lot of bonding," Michele Berry said, describing the relationship between a hairstylist and their client... Read full article here


Ontario women’s centre offers crisis training to hair salon employees

Manicures, haircuts and help for women in Waterloo.  The Women’s Crisis Centre of Waterloo region is offering a new course for salon employees to help them recognize signs of abuse... Read the full story here.


Cut It Out program trains spa workers to spot signs of domestic violence

After living with domestic violence, Tamara McBride, now the owner of House of Angels, has signed up her spa to participate in a program that encourages hairstylists and estheticians to be trained to help combat domestic abuse...  Read the full article here.


Salon and spa workers help fight domestic abuse

Salon and spa staff have a special bond with their clients, probably stemming from spending an hour or more together on a regular basis. Now, some are getting special training as part of a program aimed at combating domestic abuse... full story via CBC

Your Role

Why salon professionals?

Most abused women never call the police or go to a shelter; however they do usually talk about the abuse with someone they trust.  Salon professionals are skilled and experienced listeners who have developed a bond of trust with their clients.

The Cut it Out campaign respects the trusting relationship between a client and a salon professional.  Thanks to the intimate and nurturing nature of the relationship, a salon professional who sees a client regularly can often spot warning signs of abuse.

Because of the unique nature of the relationship, salon professionals may notice signs of physical or emotional abuse that others may never see.

If not us…who?

If not now…when?

As a salon professional you have an important role to play…this campaign was developed to provide accurate information for salon professionals and action strategies to help you better understand how to recognize and respond effectively to a client who is experiencing women abuse.

3 ways to make a difference

The first step is to have the courage to recognize a client who could be experiencing abuse.

Recognize the warning signs of woman abuse

Red flags for possible abuse:

  • Unusual, unexplained bruising, or cuts in the hairline or scalp area in different stages of healing.
  • Bruises are minimized and explained by clumsiness, ie.”I walked into a door.”
  • Inability to keep appointments.
  • Unusual payment methods ie. Paying with cash and credit card.
  • Partner always accompanies client to her appointments or waits outside in the parking lot.
  • Change in character, she seems sad, lonely, withdrawn and is afraid.

Evidence of one of these does not necessarily mean your client is experiencing abuse, but seeing several signs may indicate a pattern of behavior…When in doubt, refer to the Neighbours, Friends and Families web site for more information.

Respond by supporting woman who are affected by women abuse

As a salon professional you are not an expert or a counselor, but you can respond respectfully, sensitively and supportively when you recognize warning signs of abuse.  Provide your client with information and encourage her to get help.  Express your concern and validate your client’s feelings.  If you are fearful for your client’s or your safety, call police.

Refer clients to supportive resources

Provide your client with information about your local abuse specific community resources such as Shelters and Counselling. Be supportive and let her know that there are local services she can contact for information and advice, and experts who can help.

Brochures

Cut_it_out_Brochure-thumbnail.pngView formatted Brochures (PDF)

View Plaintext Brochure (PDF)

Get Support

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

The Assaulted Women's Helpline hosts a Crisis Line where help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year:

Greater Toronto Area: 416-863-0511
Toll Free: 1-866-863-0511
TTY: 1-866-863-7868
#SAFE: #7233 on your mobile phone (Bell/Rogers/Fido/Telus)

 

Resources

Cutting Out Domestic Abuse
Article via Chatham Daily News | March 22, 2012 
Cut it Out, a new provincewide program being launched in Chatham-Kent is educating stylists, aestheticians and massage therapists to recognize women in abusive situations...

Hairdressers can help fight domestic violence
Article via Simcoe Reformer | February 21, 2012
The Haldimand-Norfolk Justice For Women Review Team will reach out to large industries before focusing on smaller businesses. However, it is eager to establish a connection with one sector in particular - beauty salons...

Work at a Salon or Spa?
Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
We are looking for people working in hair salons and spas to participate in a new program called Cut It Out. Learn about the program and upcoming trainig sessions in the Waterloo Region...

Cut It Out Webinar



Ontario-Based Organizations

Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes (AOcVF)
www.francofemmes.org/aocvf/

Assaulted Women’s Helpline
www.awhl.org

Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative
www.cdhpi.ca

Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
http://www.cicb.gov.on.ca/en/index.htm

DisAbled Women's Network Canada (DAWN-RAFH)
http://www.dawncanada.net/

Ethno-Racial People with Disabilities Coalition of Ontario
www.ryerson.ca/erdco

Family Law Education for Women
http://onefamilylaw.ca/

Femaide Crisis Line
www.femaide.ca

Immigrants & Refugees need to know about domestic abuse
http://www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?faq_id=4001342

Immigrant Services
www.is-gw.ca

Its Not Right - Neighbours Friends & Families for Older Adults
http://itsnotright.ca/

Make It Our Business
http://www.makeitourbusiness.com/

Ministry of the Attorney General: Information on programs and services for victims of crime
http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/ovss/programs.asp#crisisAssistance

Miss G Project
http://www.themissgproject.org/

National Resource Centre on Violence Against Women
http://vawnet.org

Neighbours Friends & Families
http://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca

OCRCC: Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres
www.sexualassaultsupport.ca

Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH)
www.oaith.ca

Ontario Coalition of Agencies Serving Immigrants
www.ocasi.org

Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centre
http://www.sexualassaultsupport.ca/

Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
www.onwa-tbay.ca

Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres
www.sadvtreatmentcentres.ca

Ontario Women’s Directorate
http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/owd/english/

Ontario Women’s Health Network (OWHN)
www.owhn.on.ca

Ontario Women’s Justice Network (OWJN)
www.owjn.org

Peel Committee Against Woman Abuse
http://www.pcawa.org/

Queer Library & Resource Centre
http://www.outontheshelf.ca/

Restraining Orders: Information regarding process and steps
http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/guides/restraining_order/

Safe Pet Program, Ontario Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.ovma.org/pet_owners/safepet.html

Shelters for Women
http://www.211ontario.ca/#results:m=QUICK&q=domestic%20violence%20women%27s%20shelters&r=0

Springtide Resources
www.springtideresources.org

Status of Women in Canada
http://women.gc.ca

The Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC)
www.metrac.org