Abstract

ABSTRACT In some U.S. regions, laws mandate violence training for salon professionals, but Indiana has no current requirement. Our study surveyed 408 licensed salon professionals in Indiana to explore their experiences with violence and sex trafficking and their training preferences. Participants aged 18 to 70 came from all 92 counties, with most holding barber, cosmetologist, or massage therapist licenses. A significant majority (80.1%, n = 327) reported encounters with sex trafficking victims, and 88.0% (n = 359) noted interactions with intimate partner violence (IPV) victims. Barbers and instructors were more likely to encounter both IPV and sex trafficking victims compared to other professionals (χ2 = 7.45, p < .02; χ2 = 8.74, p < .01), while licensed estheticians and electrologists expressed significantly more uncertainty in responding to cases compared to non-licensed professionals (χ2 = 33.34, p < .001). Participants emphasized the need for mandatory violence prevention education covering intervention strategies, victim identification, resources, and safety plans. They also highlighted the importance of collaboration with state agencies, policymakers, and community partners. Longer-tenured professionals reported more frequent encounters with victims (F(2, 403) = 5.91, p < .01), reinforcing the need for ongoing, role-specific training to boost confidence in responding to suspected cases.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.