Shear Haven↘
Shear Haven is an initiative of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, co-founded by Nashville-based salon owner and stylist Susanne Shepherd Post. A survivor of domestic violence, Susanne is committed to educating the community on the signs of abuse and the resources available to help victims. This domestic violence awareness education program equips stylists with the knowledge and tools to recognize 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.
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is proud to partner with BARBICIDE®, one of the most iconic brands in the beauty industry. In October 2020, the company began hosting our online Shear Haven training on its website. We launched our own Shear Haven website in the summer of 2023. To date, more than 110,000 people worldwide have taken the training. Can’t find your certificate? You can look it up on the Merit Look-Up website here.
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, Shear Haven co-founder Susanne Post, and members of the YWCA’s Advocacy Committee spent several years meeting with Tennessee lawmakers and advocating for this legislation and the need for this training throughout the beauty industry.
We are grateful to our sponsors and co-sponsors of the legislation – Rep. Sam Whitson, Rep. G.A. Hardaway, Sen. Becky Duncan Massey – and all who supported this effort.
On April 13, 2021, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed legislation requiring all licensed cosmetologists, barbers, aestheticians, manicurists, natural hair stylists, technicians, and instructors be trained on the signs of domestic violence and how to respond. Read the Tennessee Statute - Public Chapter 117 here.
Click here to view a July 29, 2021 report on the new Shear Haven law from WKRN-News 2 in Nashville.
Read this Op/Ed from Rep. Sam Whitson of Franklin and Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis on why they sponsored the Shear Haven legislation.
Shear Haven Training
The Shear Haven training video equips stylists with:
Knowledge and resources to recognize the signs of domestic violence
Guidance on how to successfully navigate conversations with clients who may be in danger
Tools and resources that can help your client get to safety
What’s Included In The Training?
This training consists of a free 20-minute video followed by a short three question quiz. After completion, you will receive a personalized certificate of achievement from Merits. Please keep the certificate for your permanent records.
Help Us Spread Awareness!
We encourage you to share your certificate on Instagram! Please tag: @shearhavenywca, @ywcanashville and @susannespost, to help spread awareness.
Download Resources
YWCA Nashville & Middle TN Crisis & Support Helpline
U.S. Crisis Line - English & Spanish
United Nations Crisis Info
Ireland & UK Crisis Line
Australian Crisis Line
