Shear Haven Celebrates Two Years of Domestic Violence Training

Two years ago, Barbicide teamed up with a Nashville, TN-based salon owner and nonprofit to launch the online version of Shear Haven, a domestic violence awareness training. Co-founded by Susanne Shepherd Post and YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, the training has certified nearly 70,000 beauty professionals in 129 different countries.

“As a brand in this industry that just sells cleaning and disinfectant products, we are really striving to find a way to better help our industry professionals in a more profound way and partnering with Shear Haven to host their domestic violence training helps us accomplish that.”

— Leslie Roste, RN, BSN, Barbicide’s director of education

The twenty-minute training is conversational and informative, pointing out the signs of domestic abuse and how to respond appropriately. Shepherd Post, a domestic violence survivor and stylist, helped create the training with the nonprofit organization five years ago. Shear Haven initially was conducted in person, one salon at a time. The pandemic put an end to the in-person trainings, and that’s when Barbicide stepped in to offer its platform and make it accessible to anyone, anywhere.

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the hidden pandemic of domestic violence,” added Post. “We are so grateful to Barbicide for hosting the Shear Haven training and crisis resources for free, allowing anyone with access to the internet to take the training. This partnership was instrumental in allowing us to get legislation passed in Tennessee requiring all licensed professionals, instructors, and students to undergo anti-domestic violence training. I believe this initiative is saving lives.”

Tennessee’s new law went into effect on January 1, 2022. Information from the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology shows that more than 17,700 licensees have taken anti-domestic violence training. Several nonprofits in other states, including California and Montana are now pursuing legislation requiring anti-DV training for their licensed beauty professionals.

In addition to the online training video, informational resources in English and Spanish are available for anyone to download from the Barbicide website. The training has been updated to include international voices and resources, as well. Response to the training has been overwhelmingly positive from those working in the industry, with more than 95% of those surveyed responding that the training has been helpful, and they would recommend it.

Numerous comments and testimonials shared have confirmed that this training is something the industry — and the broader community — needs.

“This training helped me understand that violence is not just physical. Emotional abuse is all around, and it only takes a sec or two just to listen and be there for someone. I am no longer in the industry since COVID, but found that I could apply the training in my new work environment too.”

— Emelia B