Illinois has become the first state ever to pass a law requiring that all licensed hairdressers receive training to recognize symptoms of domestic and sexual violence in their clients, according to local news channel WQAD. This law, which was signed by Governor Bruce Rauner in August and takes effect on January 1, 2017, is unprecedented in the salon industry.
The new law requires stylists to report to authorities if they suspect any abuse of their clients.
According to WQAD, hairdressers will pay to take a government-run class every two years when they get their license renewed, and it will include instruction on how to identify “tender spots on the scalp that are unexplainable or bruising along the hairline” as they wash hair, massage scalps, and cut, color, and style hair.
The law is woman-centric. It is unclear if the state will require barbers to pay for classes and pressure them to report on their customers as well.
h/t: here
