Debby Ryan, star of Disney Channel sitcom Jessie, is joining cosmetics company Mary Kay's "Don't Look Away" dating abuse prevention campaign as a cause champion, the company said.
The teen actress and singer will make appearances nationwide on behalf of the initiative, which helps educate teens and young adults on developing healthy relationships, recognizing the signs of dating abuse and how to find support services.
Ryan will also be the spokesperson for the Don't Look Away campaign, which includes promoting the nation's first-ever text-for-help service for teens and young adults in abusive relationships. The text service -- run by nonprofit loveisrespect, which counts Mary Kay as a sponsor -- gives users a direct line to immediate support: By texting "love" to 22522, they can connect annonymously with a traned peer advocate.
"Just being able to send a text message is anonymous and safe," Ryan said. "Mary Kay and I believe that everyone deserves a safe, healthy relationship that makes you stronger and better, and I want to make sure people know how to get the help they need."
The fourth and final season of Jessie debuted on Jan. 9.
