Over the course of his career as a cosmetologist, Doug Black has helped numerous clients, both by styling their hair and offering a listening ear.
And more than once, his customers have confided to him about their experiences with domestic violence.
"A couple of them have been people that have been in very abusive situations," Black, the president of the New Brunswick Cosmetology Association told CTV Atlantic. "I was able to refer them to the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation (an organization that helps victims of intimate partner abuse)."
According to Rina Arseneault, the associate director of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre, Black's story is not unique.
She said many people in abusive situations may feel more comfortable talking with somebody they know, like their hairdresser or esthetician, than a stranger.
"A lot of people may never go to the formal system … there are thousands of reasons why you may never see them," she said. "It doesn't mean they don't need more information to understand what prevention is all about, or understand how to leave, or understand they're not alone."
That's why Arseneault met with cosmetologists from New Brunswick on Monday, for a workshop on how to help clients who may be victims of intimate partner violence.
"The cosmetologist association of New Brunswick has really embraced this," she said. "They've embraced the fact that training should be available."
Sponsored by the cosmetology association and the Saint John Police Force, the morning-long workshop aimed to help participants recognize and understand the issue, be aware of the services available for victims, and appropriately intervene when they come across a case of domestic violence.
And now, the cosmetologists who attended say they're committed to bringing the lessons back to their salons, and passing them along to other staff.
"We deal with many clients that have issues," Colleen Jones-McLeod, a workshop participant, said. "And we want to always be able to help our clients, whether it's to deal with hair, or how they look in their beauty, (or) sometimes, dealing with their personal issues."
With files from CTV Atlantic
