Avon Foundation for Women Partners with the National Domestic Violence Hotline to Raise $1 Million for Domestic Violence Organizations this Holiday Season

Maria Sharapova supports the Avon Foundation to encourage donations on #GivingTuesday

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Nov 25, 2014, 06:45 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Avon Foundation for Women, the world's largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, has joined the #GivingTuesday movement and will raise $1 million to benefit domestic violence organizations this holiday season in partnership with the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday – this year on December 2 – will inspire people to take action to give back to the charities and causes they support. Beginning today, Avon Foundation for Women will match donations made directly to The National Domestic Violence Hotline to support 25 direct service organizations across the U.S.

"We are thrilled to join #GivingTuesday with our campaign to inspire people of all ages to give back to a cause that is often hidden from the public eye," says Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. "Every donation to The Hotline and local hotlines helps to ensure that someone is always available to talk when a victim is ready to speak out."

In a recent Avon Foundation-funded census, the National Network to End Domestic Violence found that on an average day, hotlines across the country receive more than 20,267 calls, and nearly 10,000 requests for services go unmet due to a lack of resources. With the recent media attention focused on domestic violence, emergency hotlines have experienced even higher call volumes leading to longer call-wait times. The National Domestic Violence Hotline alone receives more than one call every minute, leaving many calls from domestic violence victims unanswered each day.

"I am saddened to learn that across the world, one in three women will experience domestic violence, and she could be your sister, daughter, friend or neighbor," says International Tennis Sensation Maria Sharapova, friend of the Avon Foundation for Women. "One simple and powerful way to give back on this holiday season is by donating to The National Domestic Violence Hotline. The Avon Foundation will match every donation made to the Hotline, up to $500,000 to help ensure that someone is available to answer the most important call of a victim's life."

The 2013 #GivingTuesday campaign generated more than $83,000 in contributions from the public and a $200,000 grant from the Avon Foundation. With the financial support, The Hotline responded to over 23,000 calls, chats and text messages for help. The additional support provided by the Avon Foundation this year will enable The Hotline to help even more victims and survivors throughout the U.S. by providing additional funding to state and local hotlines.

To donate, visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline's website and to learn more, please like the Avon Foundation on Facebook. For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website or follow @GivingTues on Twitter.

Avon Foundation for Women
The Avon Foundation for Women, the world's largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2013, Avon global philanthropy, led by the Avon Foundation, has donated more than $957 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses on funding breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Visit www.avonfoundation.org for more information.

Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence
The Avon Foundation for Women launched Speak Out Against Domestic Violence in 2004 to support domestic violence awareness, education and prevention programs aimed at reducing domestic and gender violence, as well as direct services for victims and their families. Through 2013, the Avon Foundation for Women has donated nearly $38 million in the United States to support domestic violence programs, services and education. Globally, Avon supports efforts to end violence against women in nearly 50 countries by raising funds through special product sales and raising awareness through events and with educational information disseminated by more than 6 million global Avon Representatives.

#GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday is a movement to celebrate and provide incentives to give. It will culminate with a global day of giving on December 2, 2014. This effort harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners— charities, families, businesses and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they celebrate and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a global moment that is dedicated to giving around the world. Learn more at www.givingtuesday.org.

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SOURCE Avon Foundation for Women