In today's world, one of every four women is impacted by domestic violence, and millions of children live under its dark shadow. At the 2012 North American Hairstyling Awards, held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas July 22, the professional salon industry took one large step toward cutting out domestic violence.

At the awards event, Great Clips CEO Rhoda Olsen presented a check for $100,000 to the Professional Beauty Association's Executive Director Steve Sleeper to support CUT IT OUT, a program that with the help of salons, spas, schools and beauty professionals is dedicated to raising awareness and stopping domestic violence across the United States. 

As the program’s  premium sponsor, Great Clips’ financial commitment will enable PBA to create a new website for Cut It Out; provide ongoing outreach; print and maintain collateral materials; and develop additional marketing initiatives aimed at educating beauty professionals on domestic violence. Olsen told the audience, "I am honored to be part of this partnership both professionally and personally. As a young girl, my sisters and I often stood as a barrier between my mother and my abusive father."

Olsen also felt compelled to act after a Great Clips employee was killed by her boyfriend in the salon. "We were there as soon as possible, and we consoled the staff and organized the funeral and held a tribute for the stylist," she said. "We did whatever we could, but we felt a greater obligation to help."

And, help they will. Great Clips will promote Cut It Out to its nationwide network of more than 3,000 salons and 30,000-plus stylists, further aiding the program’s visibility and giving women and men access to information on how to seek help. “Domestic violence continues to be an issue for far too many women and men. Great Clips is proud to promote Cut It Out and hopes that the connection our customers have with our stylists will enable those in need to safely seek help,” says Kim Schottler, director of industry relations.  

"PBA is grateful to Great Clips and all the saolns and spas involved for their continued support of Cut It Out. Together we can use the power of the beauty industry to help those suffering from domestic violence," said Sleeper.

WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Create awareness by displaying the complimentary CUT IT OUT materials, which include posters and individual safety card kits, in your salon, spa or school. Display locations can include front desks, individual work stations, changing rooms, or restrooms. Materials are available in English and Spanish and can be ordered free of charge from probeauty.org/cutitout.

Provide education in your salon, spa or school, by inviting your local domestic violence agency to present the CUT IT OUT program to your team.

Take action in your community and “Adopt-A-Shelter” by holding a fundraiser for your local domestic violence agency and the CUT IT OUT program.