YSL Beauty Expands ‘Abuse Is Not Love’ Initiative To Prevent Intimate Partner Violence in All Relationships

YSL Beauty has expanded its global initiative, “Abuse is Not Love,” to prevent intimate partner violence, with new findings from an international study that focuses on the lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

 

Developed by gender and relationships researcher Dr. Beth A. Livingston and campus sexual assault prevention nonprofit “It's On Us,” the research index explored the perceptions of toxic, abusive and healthy relationships. The resulting data uncovers insights that will inform solutions and educational resources as Abuse is Not Love continues to develop new programming.

 

“We know that LGBTQIA+ students often lack access to specialized and effective training, support, education and resources to prevent campus sexual assault and intimate partner violence,” said Tracey Vitchers, executive director of It's On Us. “Through work like our partnership with YSL Beauty and Abuse Is Not Love, It's On Us is dedicated to providing all students, no matter their sexuality or gender identity, with the resources and support they need to have healthy relationships during their time in college and the rest of their lives.”

In the US, a local program is under development for college campuses in partnership with “It's On Us.” This will include healthy relationships training, increased programming dedicated to LGBTQIA+ individuals and their needs, and more accessible services to embolden YSL Beauty's commitment to celebrating love in any form. Simultaneously, YSL Beauty is enhancing its global programming to ensure that its services are fully inclusive and engineered to provide education and resources for the most impacted communities.  

 

Building on these findings, some global trends can be identified. Over 2 in 5 (41%) respondents in the US said they have been the victim of IPV in a relationship. Across all markets (US, UK, France, Spain, and Germany), over a third (35%) of female respondents said they have been the victim of IPV in a relationship, this is compared to just over a quarter (26%) of male respondents who said the same. Across markets, only 38% of respondents perceived controlling social media passwords or tracking them via technology to be considered IPV; even less likely was ignoring a partner when you're angry (24%), calling or texting repeatedly (31%) or calling them crazy (33%). These are important statistics to note, as these can be key warning signs that a relationship is abusive. Across all markets, over a third of respondents in each markets said fear of stigmatization is the biggest barrier for those in the LGBTQIA+ community seeking help for IPV (US 36%).

“Contributing to thought leadership is an essential part of the Abuse Is Not Love strategy,” said International General Manager at YSL Beauty Stephan Bezy. “We must continue to fight abuse in all its forms and it's even more important to be able to help offer services to communities often overlooked. Abuse is not love, it's as simple as that.” 

 

In addition to continuing to support non-profit organizations that are LGBTQIA+ led through Abuse is Not Love, YSL Beauty's programming will address specific needs related to inclusivity vs. neutrality, bolstering education around warning signs, healthy relationship education, reducing stigmas, and making programming more convenient and accessible. Importantly, these expanded services will also be accessible even for individuals who may not be prepared to act against their abuser, but who wish to access resources, ask questions, and get more information about potential support.  

 

YSL Beauty says it seeks to invoke change with the ongoing support of allies, partners, organizations and educators and make a lasting impact.