Actress And Singer Debby Ryan Named New Voice For Mary Kay Dating Abuse Prevention Campaign

DALLAS, Feb. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- To bring awareness to dating violence, an epidemic that impacts one in three young people today, American actress, singer and rising star Debby Ryan is partnering with global cosmetics giant Mary Kay as the company's newest cause champion. Known for her starring role as television's "Jessie," Ryan will travel the country to help educate teens and young adults on healthy relationships, how to recognize the signs of dating abuse and raise awareness of support services.  

Ryan will also serve as the spokesperson for Mary Kay's Don't Look Away campaign to help prevent and end dating abuse. The program includes the nation's first-ever text-for-help service powered by loveisrespect that provides safe and anonymous advice to tens of thousands of young people each year via text. Simply by texting "love is" to 22522, teens and young adults can receive help from trained peer advocates anytime, anywhere. 

"It's horrifying to know how many young people deal with abusive relationships and how much goes unmentioned," said Ryan. "I know firsthand how alone you can feel when you're being broken down in a relationship and forced to defend it or stay silent. Just being able to send a text message is anonymous and safe. Mary Kay and I believe that everyone deserves a safe, healthy relationship that makes you stronger and better and I want to make sure people know how to get the help they need."

According to the most recent Truth About Abuse Survey conducted by Mary Kay, 73 percent of teens and young adults experienced emotional abuse in their dating relationship and 40 percent never talked to anyone about the abusive behavior. As a Mary Kay Cause Champion, Ryan will lend her voice to the company's steadfast commitment to put an end to these alarming statistics and eradicate dating violence. 

"As a corporate leader in preventing and ending violence against women, Mary Kay is educating young people across the country on how and where to get help before relationships become unhealthy and potentially violent," said Crayton Webb, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Mary Kay Inc. "Debby Ryan is one of the most well-known rising stars in the entertainment business today. By joining forces with Debby, we know our collective voice will reach thousands of young people and help end dating abuse among the next generation before it ever begins." 

For more information about Mary Kay's Don't Look Away program, visit marykay.com/dontlookaway. 

About Mary Kay

Irresistible products. Positive community impact. Rewarding opportunity. For more than 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all. With 3.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $4 billion in global annual sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. Discover what there is to love about Mary Kay by connecting with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant at marykay.com.

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SOURCE Mary Kay Inc.