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