(Anaheim, CA, July 22, 2004) – Oscar-nominated actress and producer/director Salma Hayek and the Avon Foundation today announced the launch of a new, multi-faceted partnership to tackle the issue of domestic violence called Speak Out Against Domestic Violence. The announcement was made at a press conference connected to the annual sales conference of Avon Products, Inc. As part of the announcement, the Avon Foundation outlined a commitment of $1 million over the next 2-3 years in support of the domestic violence cause, starting with a grant of $100,000 to the Family Violence Prevention Fund. Included in the plan will be community outreach by 650,000 Avon Sales Representatives to support domestic violence education and awareness across the US.

In February of this year, Ms. Hayek was announced as the new global spokesperson for Avon’s flagship color cosmetic and fragrance brands. A key component of her relationship with Avon will be a partnership with the Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, to develop and promote a new domestic violence program.

(July 22, 2004) Oscar-nominated actress and producer/director Salma Hayek (center) with Andrea Jung, Chairman and CEO of Avon (left) and Kathleen Walas, President, Avon Foundation in Anaheim, CA at the announcement of their partnership in a new program called Speak Out Against Domestic Violence that will provide domestic violence education, community outreach and prevention.

“I have such respect for Avon as a world-class leader in advancing women by providing economic and personal fulfillment, and by being a leader in women’s health.” says Ms. Hayek. “I have a personal commitment to the cause of domestic violence and I know that by joining forces with Avon and the Avon Foundation, we can truly make a difference to the important cause of domestic violence and bring hope and empowerment to women around the world.”

First Grant to Family Violence Prevention Fund
The Avon Foundation was founded in 1955 with the mission to improve the lives of women. Best known globally for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, the Avon Foundation has a long heritage of supporting women’s economic opportunity and empowerment. The new grant of $100,000 announced today was awarded by the Avon Foundation to the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) to develop a multi-phase interactive educational program available online and in print. The program will include a series of communications that draw on “real life” scenarios, written in an accessible Q&A format, on the issues of emotional, verbal and physical abuse. The program will launch with a booklet for widespread dissemination through various channels, including the vast network of Avon Sales Representatives in the US. Users of the booklet and future materials will have ongoing access to FVPF experts regarding domestic violence questions and issues.

The FVPF, based in San Francisco, has for more than two decades pioneered new strategies to stop violence against women and children in the home and community. The FVPF targets new audiences, including men and youth, promotes community leadership, and works to transform the way health care providers, law enforcement, employers and others respond to domestic violence. They have spearheaded model programs in partnership with local organizations throughout the US and internationally to help those affected by abuse and to work towards prevention. The FVPF was instrumental in the passage of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act.

New Avon Foundation Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Program
“Domestic violence affects one in three women around the globe, and our goal is to help educate and empower women and bring an end to domestic violence,” explained Kathleen Walas, President, Avon Foundation. “The Avon Foundation already funds a number of domestic violence programs, and we are proud to announce this new grant today, and to add Salma’s passionate voice to our newest ‘crusade’ – Speak Out Against Domestic Violence. We look forward to working with Salma in this fight and reaching out and helping millions of women, just as we do in our ongoing Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade.”

The Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program will focus on education, awareness and prevention programs, as well as support for victims. The program launch will include:

• A new free domestic violence resource 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
• Model domestic violence education and support programs based at Avon’s regional facilities across the US
• Public Service Announcements to increase understanding of this critical issue and start to break the cycle of 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 selected Avon products and a concert, both slated for early 2005.

“The combination of Avon and Salma Hayek to break patterns of domestic violence is a powerful partnership,” stated Ms. Walas. “Avon Products, Inc. is a grassroots, woman-to-woman network that reaches the homes and hearts of women around the world. The Avon Foundation is a significant leader in women’s empowerment and health. And Salma is a compassionate and passionate voice for women. Together we can Speak Out Against Domestic Violence until the day it is eradicated.”

About Salma Hayek
Ms. Hayek is an Oscar-nominated actress, producer and director, with such film credits as Frida (2002), Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), Maldinado Miracle (2003), Dogma (1999), Fools Rush In (1996), and Desparado (1995). Her upcoming projects include After the Sunset, Ask the Dust and Paint -- all scheduled for release in 2004/2005. Born and raised in Mexico, Ms. Hayek now resides in Los Angeles, California.

About the Avon Foundation
The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1955 with a mission to improve the lives of women globally. It brings this mission to life currently through two key areas of focus: the fight against breast cancer and support for woman’s empowerment programs, including economic advancement and domestic violence. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade was launched in 1992 and has raised and awarded more than $300 million worldwide for access to care and finding a cure. More information about the Avon Foundation can be found at www.avonfoundation.org.