Dozens of local stylists trained to spot signs of domestic violence
Dozens of stylists in the Bozeman area have partnered with Haven this month to take a 20-minute training that helps them recognize and respond if their clients show signs of domestic abuse.
The training: Free, online, and fast
Haven volunteers fanned out around Gallatin County throughout October – Domestic Violence Awareness Month – asking local stylists to take a free online training called Shear Haven, which teaches beauty professionals how to recognize warning signs of abuse, respond in a trauma-informed way, and share local resources. It’s quick, practical, and designed for busy stylists.
Britt Dodson, Bozeman-area stylist and owner of Revive Salon, with her Shear Haven certificate. (Photo Haven.)
“It completely changes your mindset on how you can help with more than just hair and making people feel pretty—you can change people’s lives,” said Revive Salon owner Britt Dodson.
How stylists can make a difference
Stylists often build close, trusted relationships with their clients. Sometimes, a salon chair is a natural place for a survivor to talk about what they’re experiencing. When a stylist knows how to listen, respond, and connect someone with support, they become part of the solution when it comes to addressing domestic violence.
“Stylists hear people’s real stories,” said Bailey Brubaker, Haven’s community engagement lead. “When they know how to listen and connect people to support, they become a bridge between survivors and the support they deserve.”
The issue in context: Locally and nationally
Domestic violence affects roughly one in five Montanans — the equivalent of about 24,000 people in Gallatin County alone. Haven has seen surging demand for its services, including a 77 percent increase in shelter bed nights and a 23 percent rise in calls to our 24-hour support line (406-586-4111).
Haven is Gallatin County’s primary nonprofit providing emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and other support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. In 2023, we opened The Barnard Center, a gender-inclusive, pet-friendly shelter near Bozeman Pond Park that expanded Haven’s capacity to meet the community’s growing needs.
Take the training, spread the word
If you run a salon, spa, or barbershop—or you are an independent stylist, nail technician, masseuse—take the free, 20-minute Shear Haven course. Feel free to post to your social channels and tag us on Instagram @havenmt or on Facebook (same handle).
Related press:
“Haven partners with salons to bring domestic violence awareness to the chair,” KBZK-TV, Oct. 29, 2025.
“Hair stylists In Bozeman partner with Haven shelter to spot signs of domestic violence,” ABC Fox Montana, Oct. 29, 2025.