Ella Keen Brings Cut It Out Domestic Violence Program to TSPA Fort Wayne, Empowering Students and Staff July 17, 2023

Domestic violence remains a pressing concern in our society, affecting countless lives and communities. With the introduction of the Cut It Out Domestic Violence Program, Ella Keen, a Community Educator for YWCA Northeast Indiana, aims to educate students and staff, empowering them to become advocates for change. In an effort to combat this pervasive issue, Ella Keen joined forces with TSPA Fort Wayne last Tuesday to hold an informative seminar about how people in the beauty industry can help. This collaboration holds the promise of fostering a safer and more compassionate environment within the Academy and the broader community.

The Cut It Out Domestic Violence Program is a nationally recognized initiative that focuses on training salon professionals to recognize and respond to signs of domestic abuse among their clients. By partnering with cosmetology and esthetic schools, such as TSPA Fort Wayne, the YWCA extends this essential training to future professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address domestic violence issues within their professional realm.

The program’s primary objective is to establish cosmetology schools, salons, and spas as safe spaces, where clients experiencing abuse feel comfortable sharing their stories. It emphasizes the importance of creating a non-judgmental atmosphere, actively listening to clients, and providing appropriate resources and referrals. Ultimately, Cut It Out strives to break the cycle of silence surrounding domestic violence by giving professionals the tools to intervene effectively.

Here at TSPA Fort Wayne, we recognize the pivotal role our cosmetology, esthetics, and manicuring students will play as future salon professionals and community leaders. By integrating the Cut It Out Domestic Violence Program into our curriculum, the Academy ensures that our students graduate not only with exceptional technical skills but also with a strong commitment to social responsibility.

During this comprehensive training session, our students learned how to identify warning signs of abuse, such as physical injuries, consistent cancellations or changes in behavior, and clients appearing anxious or isolated. By becoming adept at recognizing these signs, cosmetology and esthetic students can approach clients with empathy and tact, providing them with information about local resources, such as helplines and shelters, should they need them.

Moreover, the program educated our students on the importance of maintaining confidentiality, emphasizing the significance of respecting clients’ privacy and ensuring their safety when discussing sensitive matters. This knowledge has equipped our students with the necessary skills to respond appropriately and supportively, fostering an environment of trust and understanding.

This training extends beyond the student body. The academy understands the importance of educating its staff, enabling them to provide consistent support and guidance to both students and clients alike.

By organizing tailored workshops and seminars for staff members, we strive to ensure that everyone at TSPA Fort Wayne is well-versed in the dynamics of domestic violence. These sessions aim to enhance staff’s ability to identify signs of abuse, respond compassionately, and provide relevant resources. By unifying the academy’s staff under a shared understanding of domestic violence issues, a cohesive network of support is established, enabling them to work in tandem towards the betterment of their community.

The introduction of the Cut It Out Domestic Violence Program at TSPA Fort Wayne will have a far-reaching impact on the community. As our students graduate and join the industry, they will carry their knowledge and training, becoming vital resources within their salons and spas. By actively participating in efforts to combat domestic violence, they will contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and informed society.

Furthermore, as TSPA Fort Wayne opens its doors to the community, it becomes a beacon of support for those affected by domestic violence. By collaborating with local organizations and advocacy groups, the academy can extend its reach beyond its immediate sphere, fostering partnerships that strengthen the fight against domestic abuse.

Ella Keen’s partnership with TSPA Fort Wayne and the introduction of the Cut It Out Domestic Violence Program mark an important milestone in the fight against domestic violence. By educating students and staff, TSPA Fort Wayne takes a proactive stance, equipping the entire Academy—Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Manicuring students along with the staff—with the tools to recognize, respond, and ultimately help break the cycle of abuse. Through this collaboration, they demonstrate their commitment to creating a safer, more compassionate community, one salon appointment at a time.

To learn more about the Cut It Out Domestic Violence Program, please visit their website here.

If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or Text START to 88788. Operators are standing by 24/7 and can communicate in 200+ languages. To view more information, including how to identify abuse, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website by clicking here.

Ella Keen discussing one of the many information slides with students and staff of TSPA Fort Wayne during the Cut It Out Domestic Violence Program.