Helping victims

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State Attorney General Henry McMaster has embraced initiatives to rid South Carolina of one of its most disgraceful distinctions: Our state is No. 1 in the nation in domestic violence homicides.

Earlier this year, McMaster enlisted the help of private attorneys in prosecuting domestic violence cases. That should increase the number of convictions for assault and battery against women.

More recently, McMaster and anti-domestic violence groups announced a program to train hairdressers and salon professionals to recognize and respond to the warning signs of domestic violence.

South Carolina would be one of 11 states to participate in the "Cut It Out" initiative that reaches out to women who need help. The program is a promising one because of the trust that often exists between women and their hairdressers.

Funded by the National Cosmetology Association, Clairol and Southern Living, the program will offer 2½ hours of training for salon workers to understand signs of abuse and know where to direct abused women for help.

Salon workers who want to participate in this worthwhile initiative should contact the S.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 1-800-260-9293.