[January 10, 2013]

Olympic Gold Medalist Jordyn Wieber Educates Students about Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention

Olympic gold medalist and reigning national women's gymnastics champion Jordyn Wieber will visit the Green Dot Ánimo Oscar De La Hoya High School in Los Angeles on Jan. 10 to speak with students about teen dating violence prevention and the fundamentals of healthy relationships.

Wieber decided to lend her support to Mary Kay Inc.'s "Don't Look Away" text for help campaign because of the alarming statistics for dating abuse. According to loveisrespect, one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional, sexual or verbal abuse from a dating partner. Mary Kay's recent "Don't Look Away" Survey found that nearly 80 percent of parents have discussed dating abuse with their daughters, but only 3 percent identify "no violence" as a characteristic of a healthy dating relationship.

"After learning about the warning signs and shocking statistics of teen dating abuse, it is clear this kind of program is needed," said Jordyn Wieber. "The thought of my family, friends, teammates or fans becoming part of these statistics terrifies me. That alone motivates me to share the warning signs and the text-for-help program with as many people as possible. Just like gymnastics, balance and boundaries are critical to healthy dating relationships."

The newest element of Mary Kay's "Don't Look Away" program is a partnership with loveisrespect to support the nation's first text helpline. Mary Kay is the lead sponsor of the program and donated $1 million.

Loveisrespect helps teens and young adults, ages 13-24, navigate the spectrum of relationship behaviors and is complimented by the new, nationwide, 24-hour, seven days a week text helpline. By simply texting "loveis" to 77054, teens and young adults are connected safely and anonymously to trained peer advocates who provide support, safety tips and referrals. Discreetly, texters can get help about their own relationships or a friend's.

"Jordyn Wieber and loveisrespect are key partners in helping Mary Kay help break the cycle of domestic violence before it begins," said Sara Friedman, Mary Kay Inc.'s U.S. Vice President. "Understanding that Millennials and Gen-Y communicate predominantly through text, Mary Kay wanted to support a program that reaches this generation via the way they communicate. Our partnership with loveisrespect and Jordyn's support will offer young women and teenagers another avenue to get help and understand what healthy dating relationships look like."

About Mary Kay

Irresistible products. Positive community impact. Rewarding opportunity. For 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all. With 2.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $3 billion in global annual wholesale sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. To learn more or to locate a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant in your area, please visit marykay.com.

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