NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — In the state of Tennessee more than half of crimes against persons are domestic violence-related.
October is domestic violence awareness month and sadly, this month in Nashville -- four people have been killed, and another critically hurt in multiple domestic-related incidents. However, one salon is trying to help save lives one hair wash at a time.
When you walk into Shine The Salon in Nashville the ladies want to make sure you walk out with a boost of confidence. But bringing joy to others didn't always come easy for salon owner Susanne Post, who is a survivor of domestic violence.
"I’ve just had the experience of being able to relate to people on a deeper level about that topic, and I know we with our personal relationship just have a unique position to help," explained Post. "We’re able to hear every aspect of people’s stories."
Two years ago, Post helped create a training program for Nashville stylists called Shear Haven Domestic Violence Training 101. It helps stylists all over Nashville understand the signs of domestic violence and how to respond to them with the help of the YWCA.
Post says she would like to see a law in Tennessee similar to other states requiring stylists to undergo the training.
"In Tennessee we are the fifth in the nation at the rate that women are killed by men, which is just unbelievable, and it affects one and four women and one and seven men," Post said.
Post says the training is all about cutting away the stigma and changing the style on the conversation in order to save people from abuse.
"It's such a big issue out here in Tennessee that the more people understand that they're not alone, hopefully raising awareness will save lives," said Post.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence there are resources available:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Tennessee Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-356-6767
Parent Helpline: 800-244-5373 (800-CHILDREN)
YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee: 1-800-334-4628
Additional support and legal services as provided by Metro Nashville Police Department can be found here.
