Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women launched the #IsolatedNotAlone campaign to support women and girls who are at increased risk of domestic abuse fueled by self-isolation and pressures caused by isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Avon Foundation for Women has also pledged USD 1m to suporting NGOs who provide front-line services such as helplines and refuges.
Activating their worldwide network of Representatives
Additionally, Avon is launching a communications effort among its 5 million Representatives worldwide and their customers and communities. The campaign focuses on raising awareness of the issue; signposting where to go for help and how to identify and support those at risk; and calling on governments to support the provision of life-saving services, which are in danger of further funding cuts and de-prioritisation.
Avon CEO Angela Cretu says: “Domestic violence is already an epidemic which is hidden behind closed doors. Like Covid-19 it’s a silent killer. An unintended consequence of the isolation measures needed to combat Coronavirus is that vulnerable women and children are trapped at home with abusers, and unable to reach out for help. Avon is a movement, and through our 5-million strong network and vast digital reach we will speak out and spread the word. And we invite others to join us. We’re going to make sure those who are isolated know they are not alone. We also need to take urgent action to keep front-line services open. In addition to giving funds to NGOs through the Avon Foundation For Women our Avon teams will be donating vital products - from personal care to hand sanitisers and soaps - to refuges across the world.”
Supporting women in Latin America
Avon is already disseminating information through and activating its network of Representatives across Latin America, working in partnership with sister company Natura. To protect those at risk in Argentina, for example, Avon is embedding emergency hotline numbers and other life-saving information into lifestyle content delivered digitally through Avon Representatives, so that women can access the support they need with reduced risk of exposure to abusers.
Donating money to UK charity Refuge
In the UK, Avon is producing a new moisturising hand gel, and is donating £150,000 from the gel’s sales to national domestic abuse charity Refuge. Sandra Horley CBE, Chief Executive of Refuge says: “Refuge is extremely grateful to Avon for its longstanding support. Its donation will make a huge difference to our services; helping to keep our doors open, whilst providing additional support to our expert team who are now having to run our national services from home environments. During this period of social distancing and increased isolation, we want women to know that they are not alone.”
Providing an online resource
Avon has also provided online resources to support survivors of gender-based violence, such as how to create a safety plan as a means of personal protection; how to practice self-care for better health and well-being; and a list of support services for those who need to reach out for help.
Find out more about Avon's response.
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