A new law in Illinois adding continuing education for licensed cosmetologists will include training to help them detect signs of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

The law is the first in the nation to require domestic violence and sexual assault training for professional salon employees, according to supporters. It was passed in both houses of the Illinois General Assembly with broad bipartisan support, according to Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham, a co-sponsor of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner in August, the new state regulation will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017, for those renewing their licenses.

“You get to know your beautician,” Cunningham said. “You spend an hour in discussion in close quarters, one-on-one, you develop some sort of bond where trust exists. Women may find that to be a point where they’re comfortable talking about the problems they’re facing.”

Advocacy groups including Chicago Says No More, an group of public and private sector leaders seeking to raise public awareness of domestic violence, helped build support for the legislation. They’re hailing the new law as a valuable avenue that could allow those suffering abuse to open up about their situation in a safe environment.

“I think it’s all about the education and getting the resources out to people so that they know where to go,” said Kristie Paskvan, founder of Chicago Says No More. “We’re just asking them to listen and then provide some connections if they can, provide some support.”

“You tend to build a relationship with clients,” said Kim Deters, a student at the Effingham Academy of Cosmetology. “We may see something or notice something that could make a difference. To me, this training would be worth it.”

The new law does not mandate that a hairstylist or nail technician report abuse.

Terry Horstman, spokesperson with Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation in Springfield, said the licensed person or his or her employer will not be civilly or criminally liable for acting in good faith or failing to act on information obtained during the employment concerning domestic violence or sexual assault.

Amy Guy, a licensed clinical professional counselor at the Wellness Loft in Effingham, said although she’s not a cosmetologist, she believes the law makes sense.

“Most women go to a hairdresser,” Guy told the Effingham, Illinois Daily News. “It’s a time when women are sitting and basically visiting and may want to open up.”

As a therapist, she said, acknowledging a problem exists and planting a seed for them to get help would be beneficial to victims.

“We should be concerned about living in a healthy and well community,” said Guy.

Jeanne Emmerich with Keracutz Family Salon in Effingham said she can see some clients wanting to share about an experience with a trusted cosmetologist.

“I feel having clients long enough, they potentially may want to share,” said Emmerich. “I think it is a good idea to refer them for help.”

The Effingham, Illinois Daily News contributed to this story.