Shear Haven has launched in Ireland, with salon business expert Liz McKeon announced as the ambassador to spearhead the campaign.

Shear Haven is a US domestic violence initiative that was co-founded by Nashville-based salon owner and stylist Susanne Post. A survivor of domestic violence, Post teaches about the signs of abuse and the resources available to help women and men who are victims.

Salon stylists, therapists and spa professionals have a unique relationship with their clients, with the women and men behind the chair being in an ideal position to hear about and see the signs of domestic violence. Post’s domestic violence education programme equips these professionals with the knowledge and resources to recognise 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.

A few months into the pandemic, Barbicide teamed up with Post and the YWCA to offer the Shear Haven training online, and to date more than 25,000 beauty professionals from around the world have taken the training, which consists of a 20-minute online session followed by a short quiz.

The Shear Haven training is now available to access on McKeon’s website. After completion, each participant will receive a personalised certificate of achievement.