Many Americans still do not recognize signs of abuse despite increased awareness of domestic violence

Americans still have more to learn about domestic abuse. Today, Mary Kay released new data from its sixth annual Truth About Abuse survey, which reveals that despite increased awareness of domestic violence, many Americans still do not recognize signs of abuse. The survey also reveals that Americans support increased education and believe that teaching kids about healthy relationships is critical to ending domestic violence and abuse.

"This year's Truth About Abuse survey underscores the importance of early education in preventing abuse," said Crayton Webb, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay Inc. "Today, only 19 states have laws that require school boards to develop curriculum on teen dating violence. If we can teach kids about healthy relationships from an early age, we can prevent and ultimately end abuse within the next generation."

Highlights from the survey include:

• Awareness is on the rise: 53% of those surveyed say that their understanding of domestic violence has improved in the past five years.
• An urgent, national issue: 9 in 10 respondents believe that domestic abuse is an important issue in the US today.
• Even one is too many: 1 in 10 men surveyed do not agree that non-consensual sex is an example of domestic abuse.
• Critical need to recognize all forms of abuse: 25 percent of Americans do not think that invasion of privacy, lying or excessive and aggressive calling and texting are examples of abuse.

The survey also reveals that ending domestic violence is a priority, and that Americans believe increased education may be the solution.

• Need to drive national discussion: 51% of Americans want domestic violence to get more attention in the news and media.
• Importance of early, informed discussions: The majority of parents surveyed say that children should be taught about healthy relationships before age 13.
• Empowering the next generation: 1 in 2 male millennials believe it is possible to end abuse.

"Today's parents want their kids to learn about healthy relationships and abuse at an earlier age than they did," remarked Brian Pinero, Chief Programs Officer at The National Domestic Violence Hotline and loveisrespect. "Early education and intervention are critical to ending dating abuse, which is what makes loveisrespect's text-for-help service is such an important resource."

In partnership with loveisrespect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Break the Cycle, the 2015 Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey aims to explore how Americans' understanding of domestic violence is changing, and gauge attitudes with respect to this evolving issue. 1,000 men and women nationwide participated in the survey, sharing their insights and stories on the issue of domestic violence.

The 2015 survey is part of Mary Kay's "Don't Look Away" campaign which works to educate the public on recognizing the signs of an abusive relationship, how to take action and to raise awareness for support services. To date, Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation have given $50 million to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs in an effort to end the cycle of abuse. Mary Kay is also the lead sponsor of the nation's first-ever text-based helpline operated by loveisrespect. By simply texting 'loveis' to 22522, teens and young adults are safely and discretely connected to trained peer advocates who provide support, safety tips and referrals for their own relationships or a friend's.