Georgia is unlikely to convene a special session to address impacts to the state from Trump's "big, beautiful bill."

The shoreline community of West Haven is engaging hair salons, stylists and barbers to help curb an alarming issue — domestic violence. “Our hair stylists are far more than just that they become our therapist, they become family,” Sheila Carmon the city’s director of health, said. Carmon is part of a West Haven coalition behind this fresh approach to combating domestic, intimate partner and family violence. The coalition is made up of police, the school board, youth services and the health department. “That is a great opportunity for us to provide them with resources so they can continue to look, to continue to be aware to raise awareness around DV,” said Carmon. The city has already started offering resources so stylists know who they should be in contact with. They are also planning training to equip stylists with the tools necessary to spot and have hard conversations with someone who may be experiencing violence. Carmon believes the program has high potential, thanks to the relationships many clients have with their stylists. “They see us, they know what’s going on in our lives and they are able to notice when something isn’t right,” said Carmon. The mayor agreed and said when brainstorming about how to combat domestic violence in their community, turning to hair salons or barber shops was a no brainer. “Where will people feel comfortable speaking a little more freely and that’s where they came up with the idea for the salons,” Mayor Dorinda Borer (D West Haven) said. The city has already started mailing resources to salons and engaging with owners looking to get involved. They plan to hold a training session in the coming months to engage with owners for training related to resources and the tools for navigating violence. The mayor said the bottom line is that the initiative is all about spreading awareness. “We know we have resources available, but we recognize that not everyone knows what resources are available,” the mayor said. But the work doesn’t stop at salons. They are looking elsewhere in the community too. “We brought faith-based leaders in because that’s where people feel safe,” Borer said. The city recognizes that faith leaders could be the best solution for some. For others, it could be schools. They plan to engage students from high school age down to sixth grade, educating students about what healthy and unhealthy relationships can look like. Three new hires were carved out in last year’s budget so the city could bring on a social worker, a youth liaison and a community liaison tasked with helping in this initiative among other tasks.   “A lot of times when things happen, we say in hindsight, I knew something wasn’t quite right the last time I saw that person or the last time I spoke to that person,” said Carmon. Officials said if it saves one person, it’s a success, but they believe there is massive potential that looks promising. “I hope it brings awareness like never before so folks can recognize the signs,” Carmon said.