Gymnast Jordyn Wieber Partners with Mary Kay in Effort to End Dating Abuse

As a teenager and recent high school graduate, Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber was shocked to learn that one in three young people is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner. The alarming statistic prompted Wieber to lend her support and raise awareness of teen dating abuse as the official spokesperson of Mary Kay Inc.'s "Don't Look Away" campaign to help prevent and end dating abuse.

Understanding that Millenials and Gen-Y communicate predominantly through text messages, the newest element of the "Don't Look Away" campaign is a partnership with "loveisrespect.org" and a $1 million donation from Mary Kay to support the nation's first text helpline to prevent dating abuse. loveisrespect.org helps teens and young adults ages 13-24 navigate the spectrum of relationships and Mary Kay is the lead sponsor of the organization's new, nationwide, 24-hour, seven days a week text helpline. By simply texting "loveis" to 77054, teens and young adults are connected safely and confidentially to trained peer advocates who provide support, safety tips and referrals.

"My friends, teammates and a lot of my fans are in their teens. To think that one in three could become a victim of dating abuse is the reason I decided to become the spokesperson and cause champion for the Mary Kay 'Don't Look Away' campaign," said Jordyn Wieber. "As I speak in high school gymnasiums across the country to raise awareness of this growing epidemic and share information about the text-for-help program, I tell my peers that just like gymnastics, balance and boundaries are critical to healthy dating relationships."

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 three percent identify "no violence" as a characteristic of a healthy relationship. The survey also found that 62 percent of tweens say they have been called names, put down or insulted while in a relationship, yet only 34 percent of parents were aware of the behavior.

"We are thrilled to partner with Jordyn Wieber, a teen and Olympic champion, as the spokesperson for our 'Don't Look Away' campaign," said Mary Kay Corporate Social Responsibility Director Crayton Webb. "Jordyn is a member of the campaign's target audience, as the intent is to reach out to young adults and teenagers in hopes of breaking the cycle of violence before it begins. With her support and our partnership with loveisrespect, help is just a text away. Millenials and Gen-Y now have another avenue to receive support, safety tips and understand that everyone deserves to have a healthy relationship."

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.

About loveisrespect.org

loveisrespect.org is the ultimate source of support, tools and services to help young people prevent and end dating abuse, inspiring them to create a culture of healthy relationships. The 24/7 chat, text and phone crisis services and the vast library of information provide young people with options, answers and support every hour of every day. Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline designed the program specifically for young people, emphasizing confidentiality and trust to ensure teens nationwide feel safe and supported - online and off. Find out more at www.loveisrespect.org.