Save The Date: It's Time to Talk Day 2014

More information to come!  In the meantime, visit www.itstimetotalkday.org. And get ready to "take a moment to talk" about dating abuse.

MARY KAY "TRUTH ABOUT ABUSE" NATIONAL SURVEY FINDS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RISES NATIONWIDE FOR THIRD YEAR WHILE ECONOMY STRUGGLES

Domestic violence shelters throughout the United States report the economy continues to significantly affect women – with domestic violence increasing for the third straight year and government cutbacks decreasing shelters’ ability to help survivors.  In addition to domestic violence incidents growing and funding sources diminishing, the abuse is reportedly more severe, victims are struggling to find jobs and shelters expect the situation will only get worse in light of the economy – according to the third “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse” national survey.

More than 670 domestic violence shelters across the country were surveyed in March 2011.  Shelters report the economy’s decline since 2008 has increased demand for their services, and they also note their shelters’ ability to raise funds and provide services will be hampered over the next 12 months.  Detailed findings from the 2011 “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse” survey reveal alarming trends in light of the economy’s decline since 2008, including:

·         80 percent of domestic violence shelters nationwide (more than three out of four) report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse.

·         73 percent of shelters attribute this rise in abuse to financial issues.

·         48 percent of shelters link this increase in domestic violence to job loss.

·         89 percent of domestic violence shelters expect their overall situation during the next 12 months will be worse than now, or the same as now, due to the economy.

·         76 percent of domestic violence shelters (three out of four) indicate their funding has decreased the most from governmental organizations.

·         65 percent of women in shelters can’t find employment due to the economy.

·         56 percent of shelters note the abuse is more violent now than before the economic downturn.

·         77 percent of shelters (more than three-fourths) indicate their clients stayed longer in their relationships due to the state of the economy.

Anne Crews, Mary Kay Inc. vice president of government relations and board member for The Mary Kay Foundation^SM, added:  “The survey results clearly identify the increasing need for supporting women and children affected by domestic violence nationwide – especially in a challenging economy.  Mary Kay pledges once again to continue its commitment to preventing and ending this epidemic.  For nearly 48 years, we’ve been true to our approach of doing well by doing good.  And we will continue to stand on our promise to help change the lives of women and children in the United States and around the world.”

The third “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse” survey polled 672 domestic violence shelters across the United States about domestic violence and the economy since September 2008, a major turning point in the U.S. economy.  The study was conducted online between March 14-30, 2011.  Comprehensive 2011 survey findings summarize national and regional results.  Mary Kay conducted its first nationwide survey of shelters in 2009 and second in 2010.

Get a "Kiss for Country" and Help Mary Kay Kiss Domestic Violence Goodbye

I love it when people are creative about drawing attention to the issues they care about -- and here is a great example:

Mary Kay, the Official Beauty Sponsor of "The 41st Annual CMA Awards," has enlisted the help of Country Music superstar Martina McBride to turn these celebrity fantasies into realities with a new philanthropic initiative to counter domestic violence. As part of the national "A Kiss for Country" charity campaign being unveiled by McBride, top Country Music artists have partnered with CAEPV Member Mary Kay to auction off their kiss prints to benefit the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation programs committed to ending domestic violence. Fans now have the chance to bid on those cards through an online auction at http://www.ubid.com/promo/charity/ from November 6 through December 31, 2007. 100% of the proceeds go to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation where they will be used to help domestic violence shelters and programs.

On Tuesday, November 6, McBride joined Mary Kay and CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to unveil the celebrity-smooched "kiss cards" and show her ongoing commitment to the prevention of domestic violence. "As a performer, I am lucky to have the opportunity to share my messages with the public, but through 'A Kiss for Country,' Mary Kay is allowing me to spread hope," said Martina McBride, the longtime champion of the cause against domestic violence. "Through the kisses of my fellow Country Music artists and the generous contributions of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, we are hoping to help put an end to domestic violence."

To help Mary Kay kiss domestic violence goodbye, spokesperson Martina McBride and participating Country Music artists, including Reba McEntire, Sara Evans, Jennifer Hanson, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Jennifer Nettles, Tanya Tucker and Wynonna applied their favorite Mary Kay lip products and imparted their lip prints on specially designed "kiss cards." Adding a fun element, the lip prints were analyzed by a professional "kissologist" and were displayed backstage at the Mary Kay Makeup Touch-Up Station at the 2007 CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Mary Kay is stepping up the commitment by providing a $20,000 grant to a women's shelter through the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation in each participating artist's name in exchange for their kiss print. These grants will be awarded in 2008 to women's domestic violence shelters in each of the 50 states. In 2008, the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation pledges to donate up to $3 million to women's shelters around the country.

If you are a country music fan, this is a great opportunity to bid on something really special -- and support a great cause! As I write this, Reba McEntire is "in the lead" but there is a long way to go, and no matter who gets the highest bid for their "kiss," everyone wins!

To learn more about the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence, visit www.caepv.org.