For the longest time, domestic violence against women has been a serious, sensitive issue kept under wraps, treated as a skeleton in the family closet and a shameful secret that's never to be talked about.

Globally, 1 out of 3 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime; here in the Philippines, there are 10,482 recorded cases of domestic violence in 2009, and everyday, there are 29 women who become victims. The figures speak loudly but the victims don't -- and for many reasons. There's the accompanying stigma, the prejudices, the fault-finding and the fear that survivors would have to face once they speak about it. But talk is exactly what they need to do to stop the vicious cycle of violence in the home.

Last year, global direct selling and beauty company, Avon, launched the program that would help women take that first major step. The Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign began raising awareness and funds to support the Women's Crisis Center in maintaining its hotline activation program. The program currently receives 400 calls per month.

Avon is inviting you to join in its mission to create awareness and raise funds for these non-profit organizations and their programs and services that help stop domestic violence. For every Soft & White Cellulite Minimizer Whitening Hand & Body Lotion (P330) you buy, P5 will go to Avon's partner non-government organizations to maintain their Speak Out helpline program. With your purchases, you will be adding your voice to those already championing the cause.

Crusade Ambassador, Ruffa Gutierrez, echoed this call for support. "There are countless women out there. Women who remain faceless up to now, who remain in fearful silence. Speaking out is the first step to break the cycle of domestic violence. And if we put all our voices together, we can truly make a difference in the lives of women everywhere."