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.

"Mary Kay's Truth About Abuse" Survey Links Economic Downturn to National Increase in Domestic Violence

CAEPV Member Mary Kay Inc. recently announced results from “Mary Kay’s Truth About Abuse” survey of domestic violence shelters across the country. The findings reveal an alarming trend: three out of four domestic violence shelters report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse since September 2008, a major turning point in the U.S. economy. The survey data directly connects a major reason for the increase in domestic violence to the downturn in the economy.

“Mary Kay’s Truth About Abuse” survey polled more than 600 domestic violence shelters nationwide. Representatives of the shelters surveyed report they have observed an increase in requests for assistance from domestic violence victims because of the following reasons:

· Seventy-three percent attribute the rise in abuse to “financial issues.”
· “Stress” and “job loss” (61 percent and 49 percent, respectively) also proved to be leading contributing factors in the reported increase in domestic violence cases involving women.

“Mary Kay’s survey confirms what we’ve been hearing from domestic violence programs across the country,” said Sue Else, president of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. “The economic downturn is exacerbating domestic violence. The demand for domestic violence services is growing, and we must increase support for victims during this difficult time. Now more than ever, we urge corporations and other organizations to follow Mary Kay’s lead in the fight to end domestic violence.”

Mary Kay’s survey compared four U.S. regions, including the Northeast, South, Midwest and West. Survey highlights include:

The number of shelters reporting an increase in women seeking help as a result of domestic violence since September 2008:

· The region with the largest reported increase was the South (78 percent); followed by
· The Midwest region, which reported a 74 percent increase;
· The Northeast takes the No. 3 place with a 72 percent reported increase; and
· The West rounds out the regional list with a 71 percent reported increase in women seeking help as a result of domestic violence.

The survey also inquired about the cause(s) for the increase in domestic violence cases across regions:
· Seventy-five percent of shelters in the West report “financial issues.”
· Approximately 66 percent of respondents in the Midwest note “stress.”
· More than half of respondents (53 percent) in the South report “job loss.”
· The “loss of a home or vehicle” was reported more often in the Midwest than other regions, with 44 percent; the Northeast had the lowest with 35 percent.
· Reasons more commonly associated with domestic violence, such as “substance abuse” and “relationship challenges,” also contributed to the increase in domestic violence shelter assistance in each region, according to the survey.

To help combat domestic violence, Mary Kay Inc. is launching a national philanthropic campaign, Beauty That Counts™. In the United States, from May 1, 2009, through Dec. 15, 2009, $1 will be donated from each sale of Beauty That Counts™ Mary Kay® Creme Lipstick in limited-edition Pink Passion and in Gingerbread. As part of its U.S.-based efforts, Mary Kay Inc. is proud to support the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation in its ongoing commitment to end domestic violence. For more information on Mary Kay’s Beauty That CountsTM program or its U.S. philanthropic efforts, please visit www.marykay.com.