Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts to a question during a news conference after her defeat to Serena Williams of the U.S. in their women's singles final match at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 31, 2015. REUTERS/Thomas Peter REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Maria Sharapova has teamed up with cosmetics company Avon for “Speak Out Against Domestic Violence” campaign. Avon recently released a video of the Russian tennis superstar reaching out in an effort to end physical abuse in a relationship and violence on women, men, children, and the community altogether

A quick glance at the statistics tells that one in three women and one in seven men fall victims to intimate partner abuse or violence, Sharapova explained in the video. The “Speak Out Against Domestic Violence” campaign aims to provide awareness as well as put a stop to the serious social dilemma by creating service programs that allow victims to share about their experiences.

“Doing nothing is not an option,” Sharapova said. “These new ‘Speak Out’ programs from The Avon Foundation provide important tools to help us safely and effectively intervene and they offer simple actions we can all take to respond to this epidemic.”

Avon initially launched the campaign in 2004. Since its inception, they were able to raise $58 million to support the cause. They had funded various outstanding nonprofit organisations including the Global Believe Fund to increase the public understanding about violence.

Sharapova, who is set to celebrate her 28th birthday in April, began her partnership with Avon in June 2014. The second-ranked tennis star was signed by the global brand as one of the newest product endorsers. Sharapova became the face of Avon’s new scent “Luck,” shortly after winning her second Roland Garros crown. Sharapova was featured in commercials and other print ads of the new Avon scent.

Sharapova last played at the 2015 Abierto Mexicano Telcel tournament. She reached the semifinals of the event but was forced to pull out due to stomach flu. Next up for Sharapova is the Women’s Tennis Association premier tournament BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. She leads the women’s side and joined by Serena Williams, who received a wildcard entry, defending champion Flavia Plennetta, Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, Eugenie Bouchard, Simona Halep, and Ana Ivanovic. Sharapova is a former two-time BNP Paribas Open champion, having had won the event in 2006 and 2013.

Video source: YouTube/Avon

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