Salon professionals and food service employees have the opportunity to complete state-mandated Continuing Education (CE) credits through virtual seminars hosted by Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) Victim Services. The local domestic and sexual violence agency is offering pre-scheduled domestic violence response seminars and sexual harassment prevention education seminars throughout the month of April 2021.
The domestic violence seminar, called “CUT IT OUT,” is designed to train salon professionals to recognize the signs of domestic abuse and then safely assist the survivor. All cosmetologists, estheticians, hair braiders, nail technicians, and salon instructors are required by a January 2019 Illinois law to complete the course if they have not done so already; however, professionals who want to retake the course for a refresher are welcome to do so.
Victim Services Preventionst Debbie said it is common for survivors to disclose to professionals such as hairstylists due to the unique relationship they have with each other. “People will usually tell professionals even more than they tell their friends simply because it can feel safe and somewhat anonymous, and they do not have to see them every day. Another important reason could be because their abuser is not present or within ear shot during their appointment,” said Debbie. “This short window of opportunity helps to eliminate judgment and limits possible dangers of disclosure.”
The Sexual Harassment Prevention seminar is available to both salon professionals and food and bar service employees. As of January 2019, the State of Illinois requires employees of these businesses to complete the CE course if they have licenses issued by the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). The requirement is in effect for all renewals made after January 1, 2020.
Debbie said that Sexual Harassment Prevention training is important for the mental health of employees and it protects the business itself. “This type of training conveys that employers truly care about the work environment and their staff,” added Debbie. “When the work place is a safe place, there can be more productivity and it lowers risk mitigation.”
Both seminars are one hour in length and are taught by Victim Services Preventionist Debbie who has first-hand experience assisting survivors of abuse. Due to the ongoing pandemic, classes will be held virtually. As restrictions are lifted, face-to-face trainings may be considered. Additional classes may be offered after the month of April 2021, depending on demand. The cost for each course is $15 per person, payable online or by check.
To sign up for the “Cut It Out” seminar, visit http://wirpc.org/cutitout/ or call the Domestic Violence Program business line at (309) 837-6622. To register for Sexual Harassment Prevention training, visit http://wirpc.org/sexual-harassment-training/ or call the Sexual Violence Program business line at (309) 836-2148.
If you have experienced abuse at any point in your life, call Victim Services’ 24-hour free and confidential crisis hotline at (309) 837-5555.
***Report Courtesy of Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) Victim Services***
