DREXEL HILL, PA - Pat Meehan, the Republican candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, spoke today at the grand opening of the new Empire Beauty School in Springfield, PA.  Meehan has a long history of working closely with Empire Beauty School during his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in developing a new, innovative approach to combating domestic violence, an initiative he highlighted at today's opening. 
 
As U.S. Attorney, Pat secured funding and partnered with Empire Beauty Schools to launch the "Cut it Out" initiative in the region. Under the program, domestic violence experts work with Empire students to teach them how to recognize the signs of domestic abuse. The theory is that stylists develop relationships with their clients that enable them to perform a kind of triage - that is to identify and diagnose the problem and then refer the client to a professional. In most cases, a victim will not be accompanied to the salon by her abuser and can talk about her situation in a safe environment. This partnership created a unique way to reach victims of domestic violence.
 
"Combating domestic violence was a top priority during my service as District Attorney and U.S. Attorney," said Meehan.  "I am extremely proud of the work we did with Empire Beauty Schools to establish new, innovative means to help women who are victims of domestic violence.  Through the 'Cut It Out' program, we found new ways to reach out to victims, encourage them to seek assistance and escape abusive relationships.  Empire Beauty School has long recognized its unique ability to help victims and deserves applause for its proactive approach to combating domestic abuse."  
 
At today's grand opening, Pat shared the story of how shortly after he was elected Delaware County District Attorney, a woman filed charges against her husband for domestic abuse.  The victim later declined to testify and her husband was subsequently released from jail.  He murdered her two days later, and that case forever changed Pat's approach to domestic violence cases.  He and his team of prosecutors studied the Quincy model in Massachusetts and began building cases against abusers independent of victim testimony.  The D.A.'s office began prosecuting domestic violence cases on behalf of the state.  
 
Reaching out to the community, Pat also worked with the Domestic Abuse Project to train police on how to more thoroughly investigate and document domestic violence cases.  Pat organized forums on domestic violence that brought together prosecutors, women's advocates, health care professionals, and business leaders to implement new ideas to fight domestic violence and empower women.  He also obtained funding for a coordinator for the Federal Violence Against Women project. 

"Far too many victims of domestic abuse fail to seek the advice or counseling of professionals who can help them escape the cycle of abuse," said Meehan.  "Programs like the one we established with Empire Beauty School provide new ways to share information and encourage victims to seek the assistance they need."