Photo: (Lucy Hale)
Lucy Hale's "Pretty Little Liars" character might be in the dark about her love interest's motives, but off screen the actress is doing her part to enlighten young people about the realities of being in an unhealthy relationship.
When "Pretty Little Liars" returns for its Halloween special this tonight, fans will finally get the answer they've been waiting seasons for: is Ali alive? Although that reveal is surely going to be major, we have a feeling most viewers might be tuning in for a different reason. When we were last in Ravenswood, the audience learned that Ezra might be pulling all the strings when it comes to torturing our four favorite liars. And the worst part? Aria, played by Lucy Hale, doesn't suspect a thing.
As the new face of mark, Hale splits her time between promoting some amazing beauty products and raising awareness about dating abuse and domestic violence.
In the interview below, we caught up with the actress to find out why these issues hit close to home for her, what she looks for in a healthy relationship, and more!
ACT: You're the new face of mark, which means you not only get to play around with some awesome makeup - you also get to speak out against important issues like dating abuse. What about this product and cause spoke to you?
HALE: It is so important to me to work with a brand that I love and believe in, and mark is truly about beauty on the inside and the outside. While I haven't experienced dating abuse or partner violence personally, I do know people who have been in those situations so it was important for me to speak out for the cause.
ACT: You're also the ambassador for mark's m.powerment campaign. What has that experience been like for you so far?
HALE: I've already been able to shoot a video to bring awareness to the cause, and I'm so proud to speak out for an important issue that doesn't get nearly enough attention. m.powerment by mark (mark's initiative dedicated to "breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence") also has great products with 100% of net proceeds donated directly to m.powerment by mark. My favorite is the Power of Change necklace. We're actually going to be launching some new fundraising products early next year, which I can't wait to share!
ACT: You play Aria on the insanely popular "Pretty Little Liars," a show that revolves around the relationships of four best friends. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women will be abused by a partner in her lifetime. What do you want fans of the show to know about dating abuse?
HALE: There are so many ways to get help. m.powerment by mark works with great organizations like No More, Break the Cycle and Love is Respect that have information and resources to help stop dating abuse and partner violence.
ACT: Nothing is ever as it seems in Rosewood, but after the summer finale it looks like Aria is gearing up to face some major relationship woes. What advice would you give your character when it comes to her relationship with Ezra?
HALE: Aria and Ezra definitely have a complicated relationship. I can't give too much away about the new episode, but I can share that Ezra is still lurking in the shadows in Ravenswood. When it comes to relationships honesty is so important, and I think Aria and Ezra could clearly use a more open and honest relationship.
ACT: How would you define a healthy relationship in your life?
HALE: I think any healthy relationship is when you support each other and push each other to be your best.
ACT: We know you're great at keeping secrets, but do you have anything coming up that we should know about? Any hints on what's to come with the show?
HALE: I'm so excited about the Halloween episode; it's one of my favorites! The girls are in Ravenswood for the Founders Day Celebration after finding a clue in "A's" new lair that Ali may be alive. I think that's all I can say right now!
If you want to follow Hale's lead, you can make your mark by donating your old cell phone to DoSomething.org's Cell Phones For Survivors Campaign --- you could even win a duck phone autographed by the cast of "The Jersey Shore!"
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, you can find resources at Love is Respect and Break the Cycle or by checking out the action widgets below.
