How YSL Is Combatting Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the UAE

Ahead of Emirati Women’s Day

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is one of the most common forms of violence against women. Globally, 30 percent of women who have been in a relationship reported that they have experienced some form of IPV in their lifetime. While there is a scarcity of data related to IPV recorded in the Arab world, the number of women who reported any form of partner violence in the Levant region was 37 percent, which is higher than the world average. Indeed, intimate partner violence remains a serious human rights violation in the region, and therefore luxury Parisian label YSL Beauty has decided to advocate for women by partnering with the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children for the second consecutive year as part of an international program to combat IPV: “Abuse Is Not Love.”

This year, the luxury French label will continue supporting the education and training programs of its non-profit partner by doing its part in raising awareness of the key warning signs that precede IPV through an awareness campaign on the nine common warning signs of abuse. “At Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, we firmly believe in supporting women’s freedom and independence. In learning about the pervasive nature of IPV and about how the signs of abuse are often hidden in plain sight, our brand is more motivated than ever to continue the program’s expansion, supporting non-profit organizations worldwide,” said Stephan Bezy, International General Manager, Yves Saint Laurent Beauty.

Founded in 2007, the Dubai Foundation for Woman and Children is the first licensed non-profit shelter in the UAE that runs specifically for the care of women and children, offering immediate protection and support services for women and children in the UAE against domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking.

“We are very happy with this continuous cooperation, and we are pleased to see a contribution again this year towards supporting women’s empowerment programs and raising their self-confidence. This support from the brand for the foundation contributes to raising the level of awareness locally of this important issue,” said Sheikha Al Mansouri, Acting Director General of The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children.

The partnership in the UAE is one of 17 partnerships globally in the “Abuse Is Not Love” program, which has an objective to educate two million people around the world on IPV through its partnership with local non-profits. Since the program’s launch, YSL Beauty has made a significant impact in educating over 100,000 young people about abusive relationships and supporting grassroots organizations.

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