Hayek's plea to Senate

Salma Hayek has appealed to the United States Senate, speaking out for victims of domestic violence and calling for legislators to renew and strengthen a key law targeting such abuse.

The star told senators her research for movie parts had shown her how devastating domestic violence can be for women.

The US Senate has until the end of the year to renew a 1994 law against domestic violence. Since the law came into effect, statistics have shown a sharp decline in domestic violence.