Chicago Says No More’s one-hour “Listen. Support. Connect” cosmetology and aesthetics licensure and license renewal requirement for domestic violence and sexual assault training has been taught to more than 11,700 professionals since 2016, during America’s Beauty Shows, at no cost to salon professionals in Illinois renewing their licenses in September 2019.

In continuing with supporting professionals in Illinois, Cosmetologists Chicago and Chicago Says No More now offer weekly classes every Monday from June 3 to September 30, 2019 in Chicago. Cosmetologists Chicago makes the classes free to attendees who will gain insights into these important topics. The classes offer innovative ways to help clients experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault.

When cosmetologists and aestheticians renew their licenses in September 2019, they will be the first group in Illinois’ two-year renewal cycle asked to confirm they have completed this new course now required by the Illinois Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetics, Nail Technology and Hairbraiding Act – Cosmetology Renewal License Domestic Violence Course (HB 4264/PA99-0766).

According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), here is the timeline for other groups required to complete a one-hour, one-time continuing education course regarding domestic violence.

This requirement must be completed in order for a license to be renewed. This requirement equips 84,000 licensees to help clients when they ask for help.

If a salon professional attended “Listen. Support. Connect.” at America’s Beauty Shows 2016 through 2019, they are in compliance and are not required to take the course again to renew their Illinois license.

Chicago Says No More experts in the fields of domestic violence and sexual assault produced “Listen. Support. Connect.” in collaboration with Cosmetologists Chicago and Pivot Point to increase awareness of the epidemic of intimate violence and to educate salon professionals about the best ways to respond when a client shares personal information or asks for help.

Certified domestic violence and sexual abuse instructors who have completed 40 hours of training will help salon professionals learn how to recognize signs, how to respond when clients ask for help, and how to identify and direct clients to helpful resources.