Mary Kay Paints Austin Pink to Advocate for Domestic Violence Survivors

Mary Kay Independent Sales Force joins forces with local domestic violence coalitions to lobby Texas lawmakers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mary Kay Inc. and members of the Mary Kay independent sales force, in partnership with the Texas Council on Family Violence and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, are joining forces to raise awareness among Texas lawmakers about funding needs surrounding family violence and sexual assault services. Mary Kay is painting Austin Pink on Valentine’s Day to share the message that love should not hurt and that Texas families need the commitment of lawmakers for funding these critical programs.

“We are committed to helping survivors receive the support they need, but must have the budget and support necessary to continue providing critical services”

“Educating legislators is an important part of Mary Kay’s commitment to ending domestic violence,” said Mary Kay Vice President of Government Relations Anne Crews. ”When budgets are tight, it’s imperative that the critical need for services be continuously brought to light for lawmakers.”

Domestic Violence Outlook

According to the national “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey,” domestic violence shelters indicate the economic downturn has increased demand for services. Shelters also report the ability to raise funds and provide services will be hampered in 2011. Due to the economy, the survey also revealed:

• 88 percent of domestic violence shelters expect their overall situation will worsen, or remain the same in 2011.
• Three out of four domestic violence shelters (77 percent) report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse.
• 51 percent of shelters nationwide note the abuse is more violent now than before the economic downturn.

“We are committed to helping survivors receive the support they need, but must have the budget and support necessary to continue providing critical services,” said Gloria A. Terry, President of the Texas Council on Family Violence. “We appreciate Mary Kay’s support of this important issue and their long-term support of our cause.”

Mary Kay has an ongoing commitment to lobbying for good and working to prevent and end domestic violence. Beginning in the 1980s, Mary Kay Inc. lobbied state and national lawmakers advocating for insurance coverage of mammograms. Over the last 15 years the company has lobbied for the federal Violence Against Women Act, its reauthorization and subsequent appropriations.

About Mary Kay

Mary Kay is one of the world’s largest direct selling companies with more than $2.5 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 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.