Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1514075
Get coverage for your equipment on- and off-site! More at ascpskincare.com/bpp 69 GOING ABOVE AND BE YOND ASCP's 2023 Esty of the Year, Stephanie Andresen-Stevens, took her support for her clients to the next level. Her nonprofit organization, Restorative Ink, is dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. Here's a glimpse of the organization's mission, offerings, and healing potential, from Andresen- Stevens herself. "Restorative Ink focuses on removing tattoos or brands that serve as painful reminders of victims' past experiences, often inflicted by their abusers. I established the organization after a distressing incident that occurred in my own spa. In addition to raising awareness and providing education to other service providers about the signs of human trafficking and domestic abuse, Restorative Ink aims to facilitate the healing process for survivors by addressing the physical scars left behind. This initiative aims to empower and support survivors on their journey to recovery. "There are several 'red flags' that service providers and hospitality workers can look for in their treatment rooms that may indicate human trafficking or domestic abuse. Some red flags I have encountered in my treatment room include: the victim being accompanied by another individual that seems to oversee them, refusal by the client or another individual to disclose the client's name, another individual filling out the client's paperwork for them, another individual's insistence on being in the room for the treatment, and another individual providing payment in cash. These signs are commonly associated with cases of exploitation and control over victims. It is crucial to be aware of these indicators to ensure the safety and well-being of potential victims. "Our organization offers free tattoo removal for survivors of domestic violence, aiming to restore their self-confidence and provide a sense of hope. This service is important because tattoo removal can be expensive, which acts as a barrier to the healing process. By offering this service for free, Restorative Ink aims to eliminate financial concerns and allow survivors to focus on their recovery. In return, the organization asks that beneficiaries pay it forward in their communities. Small acts of kindness have the potential to make a significant impact and inspire others to break free from their past experiences and embark on their healing journey." Find out more at restorativeink.com. "fix" anything. Instead, focus on creating a safe space where clients can feel supported. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR BEAUTY PROFESSIONALS While there is no federal requirement in place, Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee, and Washington were the first states to enact domestic violence training mandates for beauty professionals. A 2022 article published in the American Journal of Law & Medicine says these laws "largely require salon workers to attend an informational training on domestic violence before obtaining or renewing their license." 6 More states are following suit. In July 2023, a bill was proposed in the Massachusetts legislature that would require beauty professionals to undergo domestic violence training. The legislation proposes that cosmetology schools should incorporate a one-hour training on recognizing domestic violence and that all beauty professionals should take a training course when their license is up for renewal. The bill would also require professionals to direct their clients to appropriate resources. 7 A similar bill was introduced in New York in March 2023. The legislation seeks to "mandate one-hour of domestic violence and sexual assault training for those obtaining or renewing a license in hairstyling, nail specialty, waxing, esthetics, and cosmetology to help beauty professionals identify sufferers of domestic violence and sexual assault and where to send them for help." 8 Several other states, including California, Georgia, Hawaii, and Oklahoma, have proposed legislation requiring domestic violence training for beauty professionals. In Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and Texas, proposals were put forth but ultimately failed. 9