大象传媒

Hairdressers are often said to be the keepers of personal secrets. Many of us, it's claimed, are quite happy to sit in the stylists chair and chat about stuff that we might not tell our friends and family. So, in the US State of Illinois, they've decided to exploit this trusted relationship, as a way to prevent domestic violence.

Illinois has passed a law forcing hairdressers, barbers, and nail technicians to take an hour of abuse-prevention training as part of their licensing process. Hairdressers don't have to report any violence but the idea is that they could point a vulnerable client in the direction of local help.

Karen Gordon owns J Gordon Designs hair salon in Chicago, she told Ritula Shah what she thought of the new law.

(Photo: Woman in hair salon. Copyright: AP)