Today is International Women's Day. Last year I didn't understand the point of it, we live in a modern society where women have the same rights as a man, and conditions in the workplace are basically the same. However, this year I understand a little more as to why it's important, because while most women in Britain have these basic rights, there are still a great deal, a quarter, who do not have the freedom of others.

Back in August this year I wrote about the Avon and Refuge campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence. In this post today? No extra nifty little anecdotes here, the subject deserves to be read for what it is.

Domestic violence is not about a row going wrong or someone losing control.

• One woman in four will experience domestic violence at some point in her life.
• Up to two women are killed by current or former partners every week in England and Wales.
• Every single day in the UK, 30 women attempt suicide as a result of domestic violence.
• The police receive a domestic violence call every minute in the UK.
• In 90% of domestic violence incidents in family households children are in the same or the next room. 50% of those children are directly abused.
• Only 16% of domestic violence incidents are reported to the police – the majority of women suffer in silence.

Domestic abuse can be physical, emotional, financial or sexual.

This is why today Aleisha Dickson, who has personally been affected by domestic violence during her childhood, has teamed up with Avon to become its Beauty and Empowerment Ambassador. Today she has helped to launch the cosmetics new Empowerment necklace and Pass It On campaign.

The necklace costs £3.50 and the proceeds will go directly to Avon's charity partners Refuge and Women's Aid to fund support services to women and children who have suffered from domestic violence. Avon has already donated £1 million just in the UK alone through sales of products like the necklace.

And here it is…

I'm wearing this necklace due to an idea from the marvellous Mummy Mishaps who explains why I'm wearing it here:

I am going to open up a linky and I will send this necklace onto another blogger and she needs to take a photo of herself wearing it and link the photo back here and then she needs to pass it on to another blogger who needs to do the same and so on."

I'm sending this necklace on to Yummy Mummy Flabby Tummy who will be helping to publicise this campaign to help empower women and break the cycle of domestic violence.