Mary Kay has received an award from the US Department of Justice in recognition of its long-term commitment to preventing and ending domestic violence.

The direct seller of cosmetics received the Allied Professional Award during the National Crime Victims’ Rights Service Awards ceremony in Washington DC on April 19.

The award was in recognition of initiatives such as Mary Kay’s US$1m grant in 2012 to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which went towards creating a dating abuse hotline ‘loveisrespect’- a 24/7 phone, live chat and text platform for relationship support.

Mary Kay pledged an additional US$1.25m grand in February 2015 to help fund the hotline for the next three years.

Such support is a key component of Mary Kay’s ‘Don’t Look Away’ campaign, which seeks to educate women on the signs of an abusive relationship and empower them to take action.

Crayton Webb, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay, commented, “One of the cornerstones of who we are as a company is a pledge to enriching women’s lives. That simply cannot occur when domestic violence is present. We will remain tireless advocates in our efforts to prevent and end violence against women, and we appreciate the Department of Justice’s recognition of our efforts.”

Mary Kay was one of 12 award winners recognized at the award ceremony held at the National Archives.

Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of The Hotline, noted, “Everyone deserves to be in a safe, healthy relationship, and Mary Kay has echoed this sentiment with their work throughout the nation. The service and support Mary Kay provides not only touches lives and communities, but extends its influence to a national level.”