Avon has announced grants of more than £1.2million to more than 35 domestic violence NGOs around the globe, including £12,500 to Refuge charity in the UK. The beauty brand is also once again partnering with global charity, NO MORE, to raise awareness of the signs of abuse.
This year, 16 Days of Activism coincides with the biggest football event making it more pertinent, as research from The Centre of Economic Performance shows domestic abuse increases following the end of a football game, peaking at 10 hours after the game. The tournament presents a potentially busy period for domestic violence charities and NGOs, with helpline’s expected to host over 4,000 support sessions during this time.
Avon’s donation will help to keep services, like national domestic abuse helplines, running and offering crucial support to survivors.
To raise awareness for the 1 in 4 women in the UK who are or will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetimes, Avon has created branded football shirts to signpost women who are experiencing any form of abuse to help. The designs feature the National Domestic Abuse Helpline number, 0808 2000 247, as well as a link to Women’s Aid’s Live Chat service. The shirts, endorsed by Women’s Aid and Refuge, will be worn by friends of Avon and its charity partners to support the campaign on social media.
During this year’s 16 Days of Activism, together with NO MORE, Avon has launched its #iamasupporter campaign, encouraging people to show their support for survivors, as well as those who suspect their loved ones may be experiencing domestic abuse. As a key part of the campaign, Avon and NO MORE are doubling down on educating people on the signs of domestic abuse and how to take action, focused on four key points:
Recognise |
Be confident in your understanding of domestic violence |
Respond |
Be empowered to respond to disclosures of domestic violence, and listen without judgement |
Refer |
Enable and encourage engagement with local specialist support services |
Reach out and speak out |
Show that you are a supporter by using the #iamasupporter hash tag, as well as using social media to share resources and information to improve understanding of domestic violence |
To further support its community, Avon is partnering with Women’s Aid to deliver comprehensive training to its employees worldwide. The training will educate hundreds Avon Associates on the signs of domestic abuse in all its forms, from physical violence to coercive control and financial and tech abuse. The training session will also signpost Avon Associates to frontline support services available in their respective markets, should they or a loved one need them.
Avon UK also has a team of ten Gender-Based Violence Ambassadors; volunteers who receive in-depth training so that they can provide support to others. GBV Ambassadors offer a safe space for their colleagues to confidentially share their experiences, and are equipped with the knowledge and guidance on how to signpost to support services.
Angela Cretu, Avon CEO said: “Violence against women and girls is the most widespread human rights violation in the world yet it’s frequently hidden behind closed doors. The 16 Days of Activism is a moment to speak out against violence and show survivors that if you’re experiencing abuse, you’re not alone. Help is available. For over 15 years Avon has been working with charities around the world to tackle gender-based violence, helping our millions of Representatives and their customers to recognise the signs, have safe conversations and signpost to vital services. The NGOs that we support provide women around the world with the essential help they need to leave the situation and rebuild their lives.”
Pamela Zaballa, CEO of NO MORE, said: “We remain determined to end violence against women and girls globally and our partnership with Avon enables us to continue highlighting the various support services available to all victims of domestic abuse. We all need to be part of the solution and open up the conversation about domestic violence and that starts with galvanising victims of domestic abuse in all its forms to speak out.”
Avon and the Avon Foundation have donated over $1.1bn to causes that matter most to women. In 2021 alone, Avon’s donations to NGOs helped at least 271,000 survivors of gender-based violence and to date the company has contributed more than US$88 million globally to support awareness and education.
For more information on Avon’s commitment to ending gender-based violence, and if you need support, visit www.avonworldwide.com/supporting-women/violence-against-women-and-girls.
