The following information was taken from the Avon Foundation: Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse with the goal of establishing or maintaining power and control over the victim. It can happen occasionally or continuously and often worsens over time. Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, mental, and financial abuse. It knows no boundaries: Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion. To help bring this issue out of the shadows, the Avon Foundation for Women launched Speak Out Against Domestic Violence, an initiative to build awareness, educate, and improve prevention and direct service programs. Through the end of 2012, in the U.S. alone, we have provided more than $33 million for the domestic violence cause. As part of our Speak Out Against Domestic Violence initiative, the Avon Foundation for Women provides domestic violence funding to build awareness, educate, and improve prevention and direct service programs. Through 2012, we have provided more than $33 million to programs like the Global Believe Fund, communications and awareness events, and global partnerships. 1 in 4 women will be abused by a partner in their lifetime. You can make a difference 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this gift set are donated directly to m.powerment by mark.*, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence. *Managed by the Avon Foundation for Women. by Coupon Companion">Avon RepresentativeShaundre shares her personal story of witnessing domestic violence as a child. Growing up in an abusive household, Shaundre and her siblings witnessed countless acts of violence perpetrated by their stepfather against their mother. Eventually the violence escalated to a final act of terror on the day Shaundre's mother was beaten and stabbed to death in her home.Today, Shaundre speaks out for all children who don't have a voice, and who often go unnoticed when violence is carried out in the home.Millions of children witness violence in their homes each year, and studies indicate it is particularly detrimental for a child's development when he or she witnesses abuse of a parent or caregiver. Witnessing violence between one's parents orby Coupon Companion">caregiversis also the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next.The Avon Foundation has been providing grants to domestic violence direct service providers for nearly 10 years, and many programs we've funded incorporate children into their work. While we are proud of our work thus far, we know there's much more to do to end this epidemic, and that many more children and families desperately need help in their own homes. “Violence against women is a global epidemic. Since 2005, Avon has donated more than $39 million to organizations and programs working to save lives today – and to one day end domestic violence. Learn more at avonfoundation.org. Wear the Empowerment Necklace proudly – you are making a difference! Thanks for your support,” – Reese Witherspoon, Avon’s Global Ambassador To find out more about this worthy cause and the other Avon Foundation causes please go to: http://www.avonfoundation.org/
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