CUT IT OUT Training Begins for Arizona Cosmetology Schools

(Phoenix, Ariz. – April 21, 2006) Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced that the CUT IT OUT Domestic Violence Awareness Program has expanded its training to include Arizona cosmetology schools.

In April 2005, the Attorney General’s Office partnered with the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, State Board of Cosmetology and the national CUT IT OUT program to develop educational materials for salon professionals to reach out to clients who may be victims. Cosmetology school training is the newest phase of this effort.

Goddard will be promoting CUT IT OUT and its new “Adopt a Shelter Program” on Saturday, April 22, during the Domestic Violence Walk and 5K Run. Goddard will run in the 5K with a team of runners and walkers from the Attorney General’s Office and other CUT IT OUT supporters. A CUT IT OUT information booth will be featured on the Capitol Mall. The “Adopt a Shelter” program provides information for salons that want to assist domestic violence shelters in their communities.

The CUT IT OUT program is designed to foster Arizona cosmetologists' unique relationship with their clients who may be domestic violence victims. Salon professionals are equipped to provide information about domestic violence to victims who may need help. Arizona is among 17 states that have introduced CUT IT OUT training programs in the past year.

“Domestic violence experts agree that one of the biggest challenges is finding the victims,” Goddard said. “Salon professionals have the opportunity to reach many victims who are often afraid to seek out help or do not know where to turn.”

“We are very pleased with the response we have received from the cosmetology schools around the state who have invited us to present this domestic violence awareness program specifically geared to stylists,” said Leah Meyers, Director of Training for the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Next week students at the Arizona Academy of Beauty in Tucson will have two training sessions, April 26 and 27. Anyone interested in attending, or any media outlets interested in observing these sessions, should call the Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 602-279-2900 for more information.