Laurel Lee Pushes Bill to Combat Domestic Violence

This week, US Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL) introduced the Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor (SALONS) Stories Act to spur up training for domestic violence awareness.

25% of women will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetimes. In the United States, three women are killed each day by an intimate partner. In 2020, the rate of women being murdered by men rose to a nearly 20-year high. This legislation would preserve states’ authority in setting their cosmetology licensing standards while incentivizing lifesaving legislation.

“Domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes in the nation, with one in four women falling victim in her lifetime. Oftentimes, friends and family members may not recognize the extent of the abuse,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “Beauty professionals have a vantage point to recognize emotional and physical signs of abuse, making it potentially lifesaving for them to be equipped with the resources needed to recognize the signs of domestic violence and successfully navigate conversations with clients who could be in danger. That is why I introduced the bipartisan, bicameral SALONS Stories Act to provide grants for states that have laws in place requiring cosmetologists seeking licensing to undergo free domestic violence awareness training.”

The bill is also bipartisan with the support of US Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) who is committed to passing the bill into law.

Dingell stated, "Women experiencing domestic violence or abusive relationships are often isolated, cut off from friends and family and feel like there’s nowhere they can turn for help. Cosmetologists and beauty professionals have a close and unique relationship with their clients and have the opportunity to be a lifeline for women who may not be able to communicate with anyone else. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Rep. Laurel Lee to educate cosmetologists to recognize the often-overlooked signs of domestic violence and ensure they have the resources and knowledge to support victims, and help them remove themselves from dangerous situations."

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, domestic violence hit abnormal highs.  Although even three years later, rates have relatively remained the same.