Fredericksburg.com - Massage therapists can spot domestic violence, too

search local
Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook

Get a printer-friendly version of this page. E-mail this story to a friend.
Make a post about this story on FredTalk.

Visit the Photo Place
Massage therapists can spot domestic violence, too
Massage therapists can spot domestic violence, too
Date published: 11/26/2003

I read with interest the Nov. 14 article about the attorney general's training program for hair stylists aimed at teaching them how to recognize and help possible victims of domestic violence ["Cut it out"].

I also read with amusement and amazement the comments by C.J. Jerman. She said, "We [referring to hairdressers] are the last hands-on industry."

I hate to burst her bubble, but there's another industry in the Fredericksburg area that is even more hands-on than she and her ilk. We're called massage therapists, and we are also in a unique position to spot domestic-violence victims. Contrary to the rest of her statement--"Outside of the spouse and loved ones, no one gets that close"--we do.

After reading this article, I called Attorney General Jerry Kilgore's office and asked why the massage therapists had not been included in this effort. I was told they were starting with the hair salons to see how effective the program will be, but that anyone--nail technicians, massage therapists--were welcome to participate.

This seems like a much-needed program, and, one hopes, it will give anyone who is experiencing domestic violence another avenue of relief.

Nora Eldridge

Spotsylvania



Date published: 11/26/2003



Comments guidelines

1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
2. Please avoid offensive, vulgar, abusive, hateful or defamatory language.
3. Read and follow THE RULES.
4. We will block violaters and ban repeat offenders.










The Free Lance-Star fredericksburg.com 93.3 WFLS Print Innovators Classic Rock 96.9 99.3 The Vibe wntx radio