The media plays a critical role in breaking the silence about social issues such as domestic violence. GCADV seeks to ensure that coverage accurately reflects the experience of victims, child witnesses and the affects of domestic violence. To accomplish this, the media plays an important role by assisting in educating readers and viewers about the steps they or someone they know can take to stop domestic violence on a personal, organizational, policy, and community level.
GCADV also recognizes that every minute counts when the media is facing deadlines. To expedite this process, please direct all media inquiries to our communications coordinator at 404.209.0280.
Press Release: http://tiny.cc/dv2012release
Full Report: http://tiny.cc/dv2012report
Mary Kay Inc. World Headquarters Contact:
Addison, Texas 75001 Kathrina McAfee, 972-687-4355
www.marykay.com kathrina.mcafee@mkcorp.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mary Kay Identifies: Demand for Help is Up – Services, Funding and Prevention Programs are Down
DALLAS (May 1, 2012) – Though many areas of life are recovering from the economic downturn, domestic violence shelters throughout the United States report that the economy continues to significantly affect battered women and children. While shelters shine a spotlight on the widespread increase in domestic violence survivors seeking help nationwide, they also highlight a substantial decrease in shelter services, funding sources and prevention efforts to assist victims. In addition, shelters report that the abuse is getting more severe, survivors are staying in abusive relationships longer and shelters expect the situation will only stay the same or get worse in light of the economy – according to the fourth national “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey.”
More than 730 domestic violence shelters across the country were recently surveyed. Detailed national findings from the 2012 “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey” reveal alarming trends in light of the economy’s decline since 2008, including:
The survey’s overwhelming trends are remarkably similar in each region of the United States – Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Detailed regional findings are available upon request.
Sue Else, president of the National Network to End Domestic Violence said, “Society has come a long way in the past few decades, creating more comprehensive services and ultimately reducing the rates of domestic violence. But clearly, the ‘Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey’ shows that much more work needs to be done.”
Katie Ray-Jones, president of the National Domestic Violence Hotline added, “Over the last four years, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has received nearly 10,000 more calls for help from survivors of domestic violence and their loved ones. The most requested service from callers is a referral to a shelter in their local community. Unfortunately, the economy has had a devastating impact on local domestic violence shelters. Many have had to reduce their capacity, reduce services and, in some instances, have closed their doors.”
Anne Crews, Mary Kay Inc. Vice President and The Mary Kay FoundationSM Board Member noted, “The ‘Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey’ represents more than staggering numbers. It signifies lives in the balance. Domestic violence shelters across the country can mean the difference between life and death, yet the economy continues to plague shelters and the women and children they serve. The truth about abuse is that survivors and their children continue to feel the negative effects of the economy in profound ways. This crime is a community issue. Individuals and businesses must get involved in efforts to educate, prevent, and eventually end, domestic violence.”
Mary Kay’s Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Programs
Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay FoundationSM have continually been leaders in domestic violence awareness and prevention programs. In light of these survey findings, Mary Kay and The Mary Kay Foundation have been responding with the following programs:
*Available while supplies last
About The “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey”
The fourth “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey” polled 733 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 Feb. 7-17, 2012. Comprehensive 2012 survey findingssummarize national and regional results. Past surveys from 2009-2011 are available at: www.marykay.com/survey.
About Mary Kay
Mary Kay is one of the world’s largest direct selling companies with more than $3 billion in annual wholesale sales worldwide. Mary Kay was founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash with the goal of helping women achieve personal growth and financial success. Mary Kay remains committed to enriching women’s lives, and today more than 2.4 million people of all backgrounds are enjoying the advantages of being Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants. Mary Kay’s high-quality skin care and color cosmetic products are sold in more than 35 countries around the world. To learn more about Mary Kay, visit www.marykay.com.
Legendary Grammy Award artist Gloria Gaynor is best known for her iconic hit, “I Will Survive,” an uplifting and empowering song of survival.
For more than three decades, “I Will Survive” has been a beacon of hope for countless victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The film industry has featured “I Will Survive” on the soundtrack of more than half a dozen major motion pictures, and VH-1 honored Gloria Gaynor with the number one spot during their countdown of Top 100 Dance Records of All Time.
NNEDV is pleased to announce that Grammy Award winning artist, Gloria Gaynor is joining NNEDV as one of our spokespersons!
http://nnedv.org/about/spokespersons.html
Evident by numerous awards received over the years, Gloria Gaynor’s popularity has continuously flourished throughout the decades – a testament to how the message of survival resonates with women across generations.
As a spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Ms. Gaynor wants to bring greater awareness to domestic violence and help bring an end to this devastating social issue.
“I am truly honored to lend my voice to the National Network to End Domestic Violence,” said Gaynor. “Over the years, so many women have shared their personal stories with me about suffering through abuse and seeing hope through my music. Domestic violence affects everyone, and everyone should become part of the solution.”
