Mary Kay Encourages Legislators to Protect Teens from Dating Violence

Rise in teen dating violence in California prompted need for action

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cosmetics powerhouse Mary Kay is well known for having great skin care products, beautiful color cosmetics and for rewarding Independent Beauty Consultants with fabulous prizes. What may not be as well known is that Mary Kay is a leading corporate advocate for domestic violence prevention and awareness programs. Like many organizations, Mary Kay provides funding to issues of importance. However, unlike most organizations, Mary Kay extends its corporate social responsibility efforts beyond checkbook philanthropy by actually working with advocates to educate legislators about domestic violence prevention.

“Mary Kay has partnered with many great organizations across the country to help educate legislators on the importance of domestic violence awareness and prevention programs including funding and education for law enforcement officials, legal aid for domestic violence survivors and tougher sentencing for abusers”

Mary Kay independent sales force members are rolling to the capitol building in those iconic pink Cadillacs to speak to congressional members about legislation to protect women. On March 6, Mary Kay is joining the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault for their annual Legislative Advocacy Day. Mary Kay Inc. and members of the Mary Kay independent sales force will walk the halls of the capitol with both organizations to speak with state legislators about:

• Protecting state funding for domestic violence shelter programs
• Passing landmark teen dating violence legislation
• Supporting victims’ access to public benefits
• Ensuring the batterers are held accountable and batterer fines are collected

In addition, the advocates are hoping to continue to raise awareness in California about the devastating impact of violence and to speak out about domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence and the need to support prevention efforts.

“Mary Kay has partnered with many great organizations across the country to help educate legislators on the importance of domestic violence awareness and prevention programs including funding and education for law enforcement officials, legal aid for domestic violence survivors and tougher sentencing for abusers,” said Anne Crews, Mary Kay Inc.’s Vice President of Government Relations. “We understand how important it is for corporations to provide financial support to non-profits in their communities, but we know that it is equally as important to be an engaged and active advocate.”

Mary Kay’s national Lobbying for Good program has helped support legislation for domestic violence education and prevention programs in Calif., Texas, Okla., Tenn., Ga., Mass. and at the federal level in Washington D.C. To learn more about the program click here.

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.