press releases

Finding The Words: New Handbook Helps Women Talk To Women
About Relationship Abuse

Informative Guide From Liz Claiborne Offers Techniques On How
To Broach A Difficult Subject With Friends, Family Or Co-workers

NEW YORK, NY - (May 25, 1999) - Your sister looks worriedly at the clock. She says she is late to meet her husband, and she has to get home. . .now! Your coworker's boyfriend calls her every morning "just to make sure she got to work okay," and she always seems jumpy and nervous. Your best friend has a bruise on her wrist. . .again.

Women are considered the great communicators, but how do you talk to a friend you suspect may be experiencing relationship abuse? What can you actually say?

The discomfort that surrounds this "taboo" subject can make it difficult to raise, but overcoming that discomfort can make a world of difference. Simply letting your friend, family member or coworker know that you care can be the first step in helping her understand that she has options and that she is not alone.

Liz Claiborne Inc.'s Women's Work® program is now offering a tool to help start those conversations. As part of its ongoing, award-winning national campaign designed to encourage women and men to speak out against relationship abuse, Liz Claiborne Inc. is debuting a handbook that provides straightforward advice on how to talk about this difficult subject.

Titled "A Woman's Handbook: A Practical Guide to Discussing Relationship Abuse," the handbook was written in collaboration with the Family Violence Prevention Fund, a national public policy and education organization working to end domestic violence and Liz Claiborne's national philanthropic partner. Beginning in October, the handbook will be available free of charge by calling the Women's Work product order line at 1-800-449-STOP (7867).

"Domestic violence is affecting American women in epidemic proportions, but the good news is that this is a problem we can solve. The handbook was created to help all of us better understand this issue and to offer some simple steps we can take to help end it," said Esta Soler, executive director, the Family Violence Prevention Fund. What To Do About A Suspected Violent Relationship

The first step in reaching out to a woman you believe may be in an abusive relationship is understanding what you can do for her. "A Woman's Handbook" offers techniques to help an abused woman, whether a friend, family member or coworker, such as:

  • Warning signs that can help you recognize an unhealthy relationship;
  • Ways to create an environment in which an abused women can feel comfortable talking about her situation; and
  • Specific language you can use with a friend, family member or coworker to open the dialogue on relationship abuse with her. For example, "I noticed you had bruises last week, and you look upset and tense today. What's going on? Is someone hurting you? I'm worried about you."
  • The handbook also includes the following:
  • A special section on talking to teens, either as a parent or as a peer;
  • Steps you can recommend a victim take to protect herself;
  • A resource guide; and
  • First-hand testimony from survivors.

How Big Is The Problem?

The numbers on relationship abuse continue to be staggering. It can happen to anyone of any age, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender, whether couples are married, living together or dating. It affects people of all educational backgrounds and income levels. Relationship violence occurs in all social classes, all races and all cultures.

  • Estimates on the number of women physically abused each year by their husbands or live-in partners range from one to four million. (U.S. Department of Justice, Violence by Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by Current or Former Spouses, Boyfriends, and Girlfriends, March 1998; "The Commonwealth Fund First Comprehensive National Health Survey of American Women," July 1993)

  • One in four American women report that they have been physically abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Thirty percent of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year. (Lieberman Research Inc., "Domestic Violence Advertising Campaign Tracking Study" (Wave IV). Conducted for The Advertising Council and the Family Violence Prevention Fund, July-October 1996)

  • More than one in three women who seek emergency room care are victims of domestic violence. (U.S. Department of Justice, Violence Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments, August 1997)

Working To Create A Society Intolerant Of Abuse

Since 1991, Liz Claiborne Inc. has been addressing the issue of domestic violence through its Women's Work program. The program's awareness and education campaign has included billboards, TV and radio announcements, posters, brochures, campus workshops and partnerships with local retailers and community groups. Each year the program strives to reach different audiences with targeted anti-abuse messages. Last year's campaign included a public service announcement with the voice of actress Ashley Judd and a "Parent's Handbook" to help parents talk to their children about developing healthy, abuse-free relationships-both peer and dating; previous campaigns have targeted men, college students and corporate America.

In addition to "A Woman's Handbook," Liz Claiborne is introducing two new, limited-edition fundraising items for 1999: a satchel-style handbag available in either black satin nylon or a charcoal washed-linen textured blend ($25) and a long-sleeved cotton T-shirt ($12). Profits from the sale of the items, both of which will be available through the Women's Work product order line at 1-800-449-STOP (7867) beginning in October, will be donated to the Family Violence Prevention Fund. In addition, these products will be sold in all Liz Claiborne and Elisabeth stores nationwide throughout October, in support of National Domestic Violence Awareness month. Profits from the store sales of the fundraising items will be donated to local domestic violence charity partners.

Please visit the Company's Web site at www.lizclaiborne.com/women for more information about current or previous Women's Work program initiatives.