Hayek helps domestic violence victims

Actress Salma Hayek has lent her support to groups helping battered women in her native Mexico through a series of generous donations.

The Frida star - who promotes the Avon Foundation's Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign - recently donated $25,000 (€21,400) to a shelter in her hometown of Coatzacoalcos and another $50,000 (€42,000) in the northern city of Monterrey - but insists that domestic violence is not limited to her homeland.

Hayek says: "No woman has to be a victim of physical abuse. Women have to feel like they are not alone.

"Every woman who thinks she is the only victim of violence has to know that there are many more. It's not worse here or there. It's a worldwide problem."