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Bill highlights cosmetologists role in recognizing signs of human trafficking and domestic violence

House Bill 6160 would require service providers like cosmetologists to receive an hour of training on how to recognize indicators of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault -- before renewing their license.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Consing Tompkins, a cosmetologist at Salon Re, says one hour of her life spent learning how she may be able to save someone else's is a small price to pay.

House Bill 6160 would require service providers like cosmetologists to receive an hour of training on how to recognize indicators of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault -- before renewing their license.

Tompkins began learning more about domestic violence indicators last summer.

"Since then, I've recognized it twice in my chair," Tompkins said.

Tompkins fully supports the bill that would make this a requirement. She's already arranged a training session at Salon Re.

“People tend to be more comfortable talking to someone who isn't reporting back to their friends or family, I've found over the years” Tompkins said.

Tompkins said equipping stylists with information on the resources available for victims of domestic violence or human trafficking could make all the difference.

Eileen McKeever, YWCA's program director for domestic violence services, said the bill is a great idea.

“Maybe there are no missing patches of hair or scarring on the head, but instead, they are saying 'can you hurry up because I have to be home, 'I cannot be late,' that is a warning sign," McKeever said.

McKeever said there are many indicators both physical and emotional that even a stranger can pick up on, but the key is making the client feel safe enough to share.

"Just to be able to say: hey, are you ok? do you feel like you're safe at home?"

State Rep. Terry Sabo, D- Muskegon, is one of the co-sponsors of the bill and said this bill is one of more than 20 focused around human trafficking.

"It really brings more awareness to this problem and how we can identify and treat it," Sabo said.

Illinois passed a bill similar to HB 6160 several years ago, which Sabo said helped shape HB 6160.

If you or anyone you know needs help the YWCA has a hotline you can call at anytime: 616-454-9922.

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Emma Nicolas is a multimedia journalist. Have a news tip or question for Emma? Get in touch by email enicolas@wzzm13.com, Facebook or Twitter.

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