Mary Kay Paints Boston Pink and Advocates for Sexual and Domestic Violence Survivors at Massachusetts State House
Boston, April 28, 2011 – Mary Kay Inc. and members of the Mary Kay independent sales force, in partnership with Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, are descending upon Beacon Hill to raise awareness among lawmakers about the importance of crucial funding for sexual and domestic violence prevention and intervention services statewide. Mary Kay is painting Boston pink to share the message that Massachusetts needs the commitment of lawmakers for funding these critical programs. Participants will educate lawmakers about the need to restore funding to 2009 levels in order to support life-saving counseling, shelter, support groups, education, prevention programs and other advocacy 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. Together, with Jane Doe Inc., we can make a difference and help educate lawmakers about the critical needs among organizations and individuals who serve on the front lines of these important issues and horrific crimes.”
Sexual and Domestic Violence Outlook
Jane Doe Inc. reports the needs of sexual and domestic violence victims in Massachusetts have grown in volume and severity. Since 2009, local sexual and domestic violence programs have reported a staggering increase ranging from 50-100 percent in demand for services. At the same time, advocates at these programs report that the level of violence has been noticeably more inhumane and cruel. These changes have happened concurrently with funding cuts that reduced the capacity of local programs to respond to these needs.
“The cost of not funding sexual and domestic violence programs will be far greater in the long run. Early intervention can reduce the need for longer term services later,” said Mary R. Lauby, Executive Director of Jane Doe Inc. She explained that funding cuts have meant shorter-term advocacy for victims, elimination of services, and increased caseloads for already overworked advocates. “It’s important to restore the funding to 2009 levels of support to help local sexual and domestic violence programs struggling to meet the increased demand for services. The alternative is both too costly and potentially too deadly.”
The experience in Massachusetts is consistent with the national 2011 “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey” in which domestic violence shelters indicate demand for services has increased for the third year in a row while the economy struggles. The survey also revealed:
- 80 percent of domestic violence shelters nationwide (more than three out of four) report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse.
- 73 percent of shelters attribute this rise in abuse to “financial issues.”
- 89 percent of domestic violence shelters expect their overall situation during the next 12 months will be worse or no better due to the economy.
- 76 percent of domestic violence shelters (three out of four) indicate their funding has decreased the most from governmental organizations.
- 77 percent of shelters (more than three-fourths) indicate their clients stayed longer in their relationships due to the state of the economy.
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.
About Jane Doe Inc.
Jane Doe Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (JDI), is the only statewide, membership advocacy coalition in Massachusetts. JDI’s sixty members are community-based, sexual assault and domestic violence programs that offer confidential crisis and long-term support and services to tens-of-thousands of victims and survivors and their families each year. Our support includes networking, technical assistance, training and advocacy. JDI is a catalyst for change: changing the way society views and reacts to sexual and domestic violence. We make our communities safer today and for future generations.