DALLAS, Nov. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — To inspire a national dialogue about the importance of engaging more men in the effort to prevent and end domestic violence, Mary Kay Inc. convened the inaugural Men Don’t Look Away Summit. Attendees, including domestic violence advocates from across the country, received a framework to engage men as advocates, volunteers and ambassadors at a grassroots level, learning to activate this powerful group of change-makers within their local organizations.   

The Men Don’t Look Away Summit was held Nov. 2 at global headquarters for Mary Kay Inc. Alongside Mary Kay executives, representatives from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) and directors from domestic violence shelters across the country convened for the first-of-its-kind summit. Dale Hansen, sports anchor for WFAA-TV and Jan Langbein, Chief Executive Officer for Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support attended to provide both inspiration and action for the attendees. 

“Supporting a national dialogue to involve more men in this public health epidemic is critical in our continued efforts to prevent and end domestic violence,” said Jan Langbein, Chief Executive Officer for Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support.  “Mary Kay’s Men Don’t Look Away Summit has provided a much-needed platform for women’s shelters, national domestic violence organizations and community leaders to share best practices and ultimately foster a movement of change including a social norm that does not tolerate violence against women.”

Domestic violence is not just a women’s issue. That’s the key message that resonated among more than 850 domestic violence organizations nationwide in Mary Kay’s 2016 Truth About Abuse Survey, which reveals that 9 out of 10 participating agencies have made concerted efforts to involve men in domestic violence prevention. In partnership with Break the Cycle, Mary Kay’s seventh annual Truth About Abuse Survey found that an overwhelming 92 percent of domestic violence organizations believe it’s important to engage men in prevention and education efforts. 

“The data revealed in this year’s Truth About Abuse Survey underscores the importance of Mary Kay’s first-ever Men Don’t Look Away Summit,” said Crayton Webb, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay Inc. “Ending domestic violence is a key tenet of our Mary Kay corporate culture and through hosting this inaugural national summit, we know we are addressing the overwhelming need to encourage more men to become change-makers within their communities while taking a stand against domestic abuse.”

The Men Don’t Look Away Summit and Truth About Abuse Survey are part of Mary Kay’s Don’t Look Away campaign which works to educate the public on recognizing the signs of an abusive relationship, taking action and raising awareness for support services. To date, Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation℠ have given $53 million to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs in an effort to end the cycle of abuse.

About Mary Kay
Irresistible products. Positive community impact. Rewarding opportunity. For 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all. With 3.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $4 billion in global annual wholesale sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. Discover what you love by connecting with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant in your area at marykay.com.

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