Mary Kay and the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) Join Forces for Stop Violence Against Women Day

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advocates, survivors, allies and members of the Mary Kay independent sales force dedicated to raising awareness among Georgia lawmakers about domestic and sexual violence against women will come together for Stop Violence Against Women Day on January 31, 2013. The 14^th annual event held at the Georgia State Capitol gives participants an opportunity to advocate for laws and policies that enhance safety and promote justice for domestic violence survivors.

“In partnership with the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, we can raise our collective voice at the Stop Violence Against Women Day on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol to spur positive, pro-active legislation.”

According to the GCADV, domestic violence is a leading cause of injury to women in Georgia between the ages of 15 and 44, with one out of every three women being abused at least once by a partner during their lifetime. Tragically, the violence often becomes deadly, with Georgia ranking 10^th in the country for its rate of men killing women. On average, more than 100 Georgians die in domestic violence related crimes each year.

“Stop Violence Against Women Day gives our partners and advocates like Mary Kay an opportunity to connect with each other and the larger movement against violence against women,” said Jan Christiansen, Interim Executive Director of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “It also gives them an opportunity to foster relationships with legislators and inform them about the absolute necessity of state support for life-saving services and domestic violence initiatives.”

A longtime supporter of domestic violence awareness, Mary Kay has an ongoing commitment to lobbying for good and working to prevent and end domestic violence. Since the 1980’s, Mary Kay Inc. and members of its independent sales force have lobbied Congress and state legislatures on issues including the Violence Against Women Act and, most recently, teen dating violence awareness and prevention.

“Raising awareness among legislators about the importance of crucial funding for domestic violence prevention and intervention services is an important part of Mary Kay’s steadfast commitment to this cause,” said Mary Kay Vice President of Government Relations Anne Crews. “In partnership with the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, we can raise our collective voice at the Stop Violence Against Women Day on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol to spur positive, pro-active legislation.”

Mary Kay has lobbied state lawmakers in California, Georgia, Texas, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and members of Congress in Washington, D.C. to help prevent and end domestic violence.

About Mary Kay

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