Celebrities Sign Petition To Stamp Out Domestic Violence

On 2 December 2009 Avon UK and Refuge – a UK-based charity whose safe houses provide emergency accommodation for women and children when they are most in need – will host a press conference at the House of Commons to discuss the Four Ways to Speak Out campaign.

The event will mark the mid-point in the ‘16 Days of Activism’ which begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and which ends on 10 December, International Human Rights Day. At the event, Avon will announce the results of new research it has commissioned into public perceptions of domestic violence, seeking to break down the wall of silence that surrounds the issue.

The event will be hosted by Reese Witherspoon. The Four Ways campaign calls on people to speak out against domestic violence and encourages people to sign a petition, which asks the government to provide more domestic violence services. A host of celebrities – such as Fiona Bruce, Dame Helen Mirren, Janet Ellis, Maxine Peake, Ruby Wax, Helena Bonham Carter, Jo Brand, Patrick Stewart, Madeline Peyroux and Lorraine Kelly – have already signed the petition.

Avon has supported Refuge for the last two years, donating 80% of the UK proceeds of its Empowerment necklace and bracelet to support services for abused women and children. Worldwide sales have raised $8.1million, which has gone towards funding programmes in 53 countries.

To sign the petition and find out more about the Four Ways campaign, visit the official website.