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Shear Haven↘

Shear Haven is an initiative of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, co-founded by Nashville-based salon owner and stylist Susanne Shepherd Post.  A survivor of domestic violence, Susanne is committed to educating the community on the signs of abuse and the resources available to help victims. This domestic violence awareness education program equips stylists with the knowledge and tools to recognize the signs of domestic violence, successfully navigate conversations with clients who may be in danger, and pass along tools that can help them get to safety.

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is proud to partner with BARBICIDE®, one of the most iconic brands in the beauty industry. In October 2020, the company began hosting our online Shear Haven training on its website. We launched our own Shear Haven website in the summer of 2023. To date, more than 150,000 people worldwide have taken the training. 

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, Shear Haven co-founder Susanne Post, and members of the YWCA’s Advocacy Committee spent several years meeting with Tennessee lawmakers  and advocating for this legislation and  the need for this training throughout the beauty industry.

We are grateful to our sponsors and co-sponsors of the legislation – Rep. Sam Whitson, Rep. G.A. Hardaway, Sen. Becky Duncan Massey – and all who supported this effort.

On April 13, 2021, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed legislation requiring all licensed cosmetologists, barbers, aestheticians, manicurists, natural hair stylists, technicians, and instructors be trained on the signs of domestic violence and how to respond. Read the Tennessee Statute - Public Chapter 117 here.

Click here to view a July 29, 2021 report on the new Shear Haven law from WKRN-News 2 in Nashville.

Read this Op/Ed from Rep. Sam Whitson of Franklin and Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis on why they sponsored the Shear Haven legislation. SALONS Stories Act

On Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, bipartisan legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate to enlist the beauty industry in the fight against domestic violence. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (TN) and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (IL) are sponsoring the SALONS Stories Act (S.3540). Companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives was introduced by Rep. Laurel Lee of Florida and Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan on Tuesday, April 9. The legislation has been re-introduced in the 119th Congress and is pending passage.

The measure would incentivize states to pass legislation similar to laws in Tennessee and Illinois that require licensed beauty professionals to receive free domestic violence awareness education and how to respond appropriately. This legislation is the result of Shear Haven and YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s advocacy efforts to end domestic violence.

Would you like to see domestic violence awareness education required in your state?  Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch!

Shear Haven Training

The Shear Haven training video equips stylists with:

  • Knowledge and resources to recognize the signs of domestic violence

  • Guidance on how to successfully navigate conversations with clients who may be in danger

  • Tools and resources that can help your client get to safety

What’s Included In The Training?

This training consists of a free 20-minute video followed by a short three question quiz. After completion, you will receive a personalized certificate of achievement . Please keep the certificate for your permanent records.

Help Us Spread Awareness!

We encourage you to share your certificate on Instagram! Please tag: @shearhavenywca, @ywcanashville and @susannespost, to help spread awareness.

Download Resources

YWCA Nashville & Middle TN Crisis & Support Helpline
U.S. Crisis Line - English & Spanish
United Nations Crisis Info
Ireland & UK Crisis Line
Australian Crisis Line