October marks Domestic Violence Awareness month and highlights an issue that continues to affect countless women, men and children. As one of the Professional Beauty Association's (PBA) main charitable outreach efforts, PBA is calling on beauty professionals and salons to support the CUT IT OUT: Salons Against Domestic Abuse program by participating in the CUT IT OUT "Give The Power Back" Drive to help raise awareness and funding to stop domestic violence. Salon professionals in particular have the extraordinary opportunity to give hope and help to clients and co-workers who are in abusive relationships.

While CUT IT OUT is an ongoing effort that builds awareness through complimentary display materials and trains salon professionals to recognize warning signs of abuse and safely and confidentially help clients, colleagues, friends and family find local resources for help, the Give The Power Back Drive is an opportunity for salon owners and beauty professionals to host a fundraiser of their choice during October to highlight how domestic violence is still an issue that affects many. Fundraising suggestions include donating tips, donating a percentage of sales, donating a percentage of each service, and/or soliciting donations from clients. Pins with purple awareness ribbons from Great Clips, a premium sponsor of the CUT IT OUT program, are also available and can be sold as an additional way to raise funds. PBA recommends participants donate 50 percent of the money raised to a local domestic violence resource/shelter and 50 percent to CUT IT OUT. Those who cannot participate in October can still donate directly to CUT IT OUT throughout the year.

 To help beauty professionals and salons in their fundraising efforts, CUT IT OUT will provide a complimentary "marketing toolkit" upon registration with a customizable press release, flyer and donation cards to help market efforts to their clientele and the community. Complimentary CUT IT OUT posters and safety cards are also included, which can be displayed in the salon and include the national domestic violence hotline number for those affected by domestic violence to call for help. (The CUT IT OUT posters and safety cards can also be ordered for free at any time during the year.)

 Participation is simple and can help save a life. To learn more and register, visit www.probeauty.org/endabuse or email CUTITOUT@probeauty.org . The Great Clips pins, made of high quality steel and available in gold or silver can be ordered by calling 800-999-5959 or emailing petra.lawrence@greatclips.com. Pins are $1 and Great Clips will pay for shipping. No order minimum.