Mary Kay Commits to Six Years Powering loveisrespect, the Only Text-for-Help Platform for Dating Abuse Prevention and Education

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Feb 12, 2015, 08:00 ET

DALLAS, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As domestic violence continues to make headlines and spark national conversations, Mary Kay Inc. and loveisrespect announce the extension of their partnership to raise awareness of the epidemic while also powering the nation's first dating abuse text message helpline. The renewal of the partnership for three more years with Mary Kay as the title sponsor positions the life-saving text-for-help resource for young adults to prevent and educate on the importance of healthy dating and relationships.

Mary Kay Inc. commits $1.25 million to loveisrespect as an extension of their partnership to promote healthy relationships while powering the nation's first dating abuse text message helpline. This partnership is part of Mary Kay's Don't Look Away campaign to educate the public on how to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship, how to take action and to raise awareness of a variety of support services. Pictured left to right: Crayton Webb, Vice President Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay Inc. and Katie Ray-Jones, CEO for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The partnership began in 2012 when Mary Kay awarded a $1 million grant to loveisrespect as the lead sponsor of the text message helpline. By simply sending the text "loveis" to 22522, young people are instantly connected via text with resources and support. Over the last three years, loveisrespect has seen a 48 percent increase in the number of texts, online chats and phone calls it receives from teens and young adults seeking help and information on healthy relationships and dating abuse. In 2014, the project answered nearly 56,000 texts, online chats and phone calls from around the nation.

"We know that one in every three teens experience some form of dating abuse in the United States which makes it critical to start talking early about fostering healthy dating relationships and teaching young people how to identify and avoid abusive behaviors," said Crayton Webb, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay Inc. "At Mary Kay, we are whole heartedly committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence through financial support and innovative programs. We believe the company's continued partnership with loveisrespect is making an impact with every young person who calls, texts or chats online seeking help from abuse."

Over the next three years, Mary Kay will donate an additional $1.25 million to support key initiatives alongside loveisrespect including working with Alpha Chi Omega national headquarters to provide educational information and tools on healthy relationships to their collegiate chapters and members across the country reaching more than 18,000 young women.

"Mary Kay has long been a leader in working to end dating abuse in our communities and we are thrilled about the continuation of our partnership," said Katie Ray-Jones, Chief Executive Officer for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. "This gift will help provide critical resources to teens and young adults and ensure that someone is always available when a young person is ready to reach out for help."

The renewed partnership is the most recent element of Mary Kay's Don't Look Away campaign which works to educate the public on recognizing the signs of an abusive relationship, how to take action and to raise awareness of support services. For more information, 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

About loveisrespect.org

Loveisrespect.org is the ultimate source of support, tools and services to help young people prevent and end dating abuse, inspiring them to create a culture of healthy relationships. The 24/7 chat, text and phone crisis services and vast library of information provide young people with options, answers and support every hour of every day. Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline designed the program specifically for young people, emphasizing confidentiality and trust to ensure teens nationwide feel safe and supported – online and off. Find out more at www.loveisrespect.org.

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
marykay.com/newsroom
972.687.5332 or [email protected]

Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150212/175158

SOURCE Mary Kay