(March 4, 2005) This May, Avon and the Avon Foundation will call upon people everywhere to “speak out” to raise funds and awareness for the issue of domestic violence with the new Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Bracelet – a periwinkle colored rubber bracelet with a silvertone nameplate engraved with the words “Speak Out.” This first domestic violence fundraising product from Avon is affordably priced at $3.00, and $2.00 is donated to support the Avon Foundation Speak Out Against Domestic Violence initiative (66% of the purchase price).

“Domestic violence affects one in three women around the globe, and our goal is to educate and empower women, and bring an end to domestic violence,” explained Kathleen Walas, President, Avon Foundation. “This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Avon Foundation, and we look forward to marking this milestone by expanding our commitment to women affected by domestic violence, just as we have helped those touched by breast cancer in our ongoing Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade.”

The Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program focuses on education, awareness and prevention programs, as well as support for victims. The program, which launched in 2004 with actress, producer and Avon global spokesperson Salma Hayek, will include:

• A free domestic violence information brochure distributed by Avon’s 650,000 US sales representatives, as well as online at www.avonfoundation.org.
• Grassroots awareness and education through the Avon Sales Representative network.
• Grants to dozens of local domestic violence agencies across the country.
• Support for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
• Funding of educational publications and videos aimed at helping teens and parents work on building healthy relationships.
• Funding grants for programs such as the Family Violence Prevention Fund and the new President’s Family Justice Centers, which centralize a comprehensive range of community services to assist victims of domestic violence.
• Global outreach in partnership with Avon facilities worldwide.

In addition to raising awareness and education, several fundraising initiatives are included in the Speak Out plans, including donations from the sale of the new Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Bracelet and an all-star concert produced by Quincy Jones and Salma Hayek, slated for May 2005 in New York City.

Available exclusively from Avon beginning in May, the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Bracelet ($3.00) can be purchased through Avon independent Sales Representatives nationwide, online at www.avonfoundation.org or by calling 1-800-FOR-AVON.

The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. For more information on the mission and programs of the Avon Foundation visit www.avonfoundation.org or call 1-866-505-AVON.