NEW YORK, NY - (September 7, 1993) - "DON'T DIE FOR LOVE - STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE." This compelling message is the focal point of Liz Claiborne, Inc.'s 1993 campaign aimed at ending abuse in the home. To increase awareness of this growing national concern, Liz Claiborne, Inc. will be launching a special collection of products featuring this message by contemporary artist Barbara Kruger. As the sale of these items will benefit domestic violence initiatives, Liz Claiborne, Inc. is offering the public a way to participate in raising the funds needed to help stop this tragic health epidemic. This special collection is being developed as part of Liz Claiborne, Inc.'s WOMEN'S WORK program, the company's on-going commitment to addressing the issue of abuse in the home. Proceeds will benefit The Family Violence Prevention Fund, a national, non-profit organization devoted to public policy, education and advocacy.

 

Each piece in the collection features Kruger's striking red, black and white images, which have been specially commissioned by Liz Claiborne, Inc. for this program. Startling statistics, running across the top and bottom of the image, read - "Every 12 seconds a woman is beaten in the U.S." and "52% of female murder victims are killed by their partners." The collection includes a t-shirt ($12), a tote bag ($20) and a baseball cap ($10). Available beginning in October 1993, the collection can be ordered by calling 1-800-449-STOP (1-800-449-7867).

 

 

During the month of October, the WOMEN'S WORK items will also be available at several Filene's in the Boston area and Burdines stores in Miami's Dade and Broward Counties, in selected college campus stores and The Liz Claiborne Stores at Copley Place, Boston and Town Center, Boca Raton, Florida as well as in museum shops nationwide. In addition to the three previously mentioned items, these locations will also carry a mug ($6) and sunglasses ($15) displaying the Kruger artwork.

 

In Miami, proceeds will benefit The Women's Fund of Dade County which will administer grants to local domestic violence programs. In Boston, The Jane Doe Safety Fund, a statewide fundraising and public education campaign of the Massachusetts Coalition of Battered Women Service Groups, will be the beneficiary.

 

 

Liz Claiborne, Inc. 's WOMEN'S WORK is the company's community-based program which uses art to promote positive social change on issues of particular concern to women and their families. Last year WOMEN'S WORK addressed the problem of domestic violence in San Francisco with a compelling billboard public awareness campaign and seed funds for the city's first centralized, 24-hour crisis hotline.

 

This year, Boston and Miami will be the beneficiaries of initiatives on domestic violence supported by Liz Claiborne, Inc. The same powerful images used on the retail collection will be displayed on billboards and posters in both cities during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. Additionally, the corporation is working in partnership with both Boston and Miami community organizations which are active in the fight to stop abuse in the home.

 

"Domestic violence is a key factor contributing to an alarming increase of all violence in American society," says Jerome A. Chazen, chairman, Liz Claiborne, Inc. "We are committed to helping bring about an end to this growing public health crisis. This is our way of giving back to women and their families who have contributed to our success."

 

 

To order the commemorative collection by phone call 1-800-449-STOP. American Express, VISA, Mastercard, checks or money orders will be accepted; New York/New Jersey residents must add sales tax. Shipping is not included. Consumers should allow four to six weeks for delivery.