Reese Witherspoon Launches the Avon Women's Empowerment Bracelet to Honor the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day

NEW YORK, March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Even as women and men around the world celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day on March 8th, violence against women remains a global epidemic.  The domestic violence statistics for just one ordinary day in the United States are staggering: on average, three women will be murdered by an intimate partner(i), more than 70,000 domestic violence victims will receive services from domestic violence programs and another 10,000 will be turned away for lack of resources, and domestic violence hotlines will receive more than 22,000 calls. Around the world, the statistics are equally horrific: one in three women will be raped, beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime(ii).

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"Although the problem may seem insurmountable, there are ways for women and men everywhere to help bring an end to violence against women across the globe," said Reese Witherspoon, Avon Global Ambassador and Honorary Chair of the Avon Foundation for Women. "The Avon Empowerment Bracelet is a simple, but powerful, way to raise funds to reduce violence against women. As a woman and as a mother, I urge you to join me on this very special anniversary of International Women's Day to end this epidemic by wearing and giving the bracelet to friends and family."

The new bracelet, part of the Avon Women's Empowerment product collection, is accessibly priced at just $10.00 each. One hundred percent of net profits ($8.04 for each bracelet sold) will benefit Avon Foundation for Women programs dedicated to ending violence against women. The new bracelet features assorted faux-stone, glass and silvertone beads with an "infinity" charm on a stretch bracelet, representing the unlimited opportunities for women when they live violence-free lives. The Empowerment products are available through Avon Sales Representatives in more than 50 countries by calling 1-800-FOR-AVON or by visiting www.avon.com.

Women and men can also raise life-saving funds to end violence against women across the globe by:

• Purchasing songs from Avon Voices, the company's first-ever global online singing talent search for women and songwriting competition for men and women.  A percentage of the purchase will support the Avon Foundation for Women's global campaign to end violence against women. Find out more about music purchases at Avon Voices.

• Designating the Avon Foundation for Women as their favorite nonprofit on eBay, which allows buyers to donate $1 or more every time they make a purchase on eBay and pay with PayPal. eBay sellers also can contribute to Avon by donating a percentage of their listing's final sale price — which is reimbursed to them through a fee credit – to the Foundation's Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program.

Avon's Global Efforts to End Violence Against Women and International Women's Day (IWD)

Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women have a strong commitment to ending violence against women around the world. For more information on progress on Avon's efforts in recognition of International Women's Day, please visit www.avonfoundation.org/iwd.html.

Avon Foundation for Women and Speak Out Against Domestic Violence

The Avon Foundation for Women, the world's largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $800 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses its funding on breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade , and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Through the end of 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $30 million to support awareness, education, direct service and prevention programs aimed at reducing domestic and gender violence.  Avon also responds generously to provide support for relief and recovery efforts in times of major natural disasters and emergencies.

(i)Bureau of Justice Statistics, Intimate Homicide Victims by Gender

(ii)UNIFEM report, Not A Minute More: Ending Violence Against Women

SOURCE The Avon Foundation for Women