As educators across the United States experience the squeeze of budget cuts and lost programs, Mary Kay Inc. and non-profit partner Break the Cycle, are launching a groundbreaking interactive DVD, Ending Violence, sponsored by Mary Kay Inc. The DVD puts Break the Cycle’s teen dating violence prevention curriculum into a multi-media format for ease of use and integration into the school system. The DVD educates teens and young adults about how to build and sustain healthier and happier relationships and is now available to schools nationwide.

According to statistics provided by Break the Cycle, as many as one in three teens will experience abuse in a dating relationship; and, one in four eighth and ninth grade students reported being victims of dating violence in a recent report by the Family Violence Prevention Fund. “We are definitely seeing a need for healthy dating and relationship guidance for our students and we’re excited to implement this program,” said Cristina De Jesus, Chief Academic Officer for Green Dot Public Schools. “Healthy dating and relationship advice can come from a variety of outlets – home, friends, mass media, schools – and we are hopeful that the Ending Violence DVD can help our students gain the foundation they need to conduct their relationships the right way.”

„May Kay has a long-standing commitment to helping end domestic violence and both the partnership with Break the Cycle and the launch of the Ending Violence DVD will have a tremendous impact in preventing teen dating violence and stopping the horrific cycle of domestic violence before it starts,” said Crayton Webb, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay Inc.

“We have already received overwhelmingly positive feedback from teachers throughout the country. The Ending Violence DVD is a one-of-a-kind tool that truly makes dating violence prevention possible for every community,” said Marjorie Gilberg, Executive Director, Break the Cycle. “It is with sincere thanks to Mary Kay, that we are able to bring this vital resource to schools nationwide.”