NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Actress Reese Witherspoon has had the talk with her two young children. Not the sex talk. The domestic violence talk.

As a Global Ambassador for Avon’s efforts to help victims of domestic violence, Witherspoon traveled to the Washington area to speak to the 2nd World Conference of Women’s Shelters, prompting a talk with Ava, 12, and Deacon, 8.

Though her kids were shocked to hear how one in three women is abused in this country, Witherspoon said it was important for them to be aware of the problem, especially her daughter who’s almost old enough date.

At a time when bullies are responding with violence, Witherspoon also says parents must educate themselves and their children about social media and “what constitutes harassment, what is acceptable and what is not.”

Domestic violence is a topic in many songs, including Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead,” where she sings about shooting an abusive husband.

Witherspoon says such songs “create retaliation fantasies,” which are “a very important part of our psychology,” but she doesn’t think they replace the effectiveness of going public about domestic violence.

Witherspoon says talking publicly “creates empowerment” among women and helps them feel they’re not alone.

Lady Gaga: ‘Challenge meanness’

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Lady Gaga has launched a youth foundation by urging young people to “challenge meanness and cruelty.”

The singer spoke Wednesday to a crowd of more than 1,100 students, faculty and invited guests at Harvard University.

Oprah Winfrey, U.S. Health and Human Service Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and others joined her in kicking off the Born This Way Foundation. It’s named after her 2011 hit song with lyrics that promote self empowerment.

The singer says the foundation’s goal is to empower youth and inspire bravery.

She urges students to do “simple acts of kindness” in their communities to help foster acceptance, tolerance and individuality.

Earlier Wednesday, Lady Gaga caused a sensation on the Ivy League campus when she arrived in Harvard Yard in a sleek black dress, tall hat and platform shoes.

Woods urges legislation for doctor apologies

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Actor James Woods visited the Rhode Island Statehouse on Wednesday to urge lawmakers to support legislation that would allow doctors to apologize for bad treatment outcomes without their apologies being used against them in a malpractice lawsuit.

Woods’ brother, Michael, died of a heart attack at Kent Hospital in 2006. Woods sued the hospital, accusing emergency room staff of not doing enough to save his brother. He settled the lawsuit after the hospital’s CEO apologized and agreed to start an institute in Michael Woods’ name.

“I was ready for thermonuclear war,” Woods said of his anger at the hospital. “Nothing was going to change my mind short of a genuine apology.”

Woods told reporters that the simple act of apologizing can help grieving family members process a loss caused by medical errors.

“This apology was a very effective, pragmatic solution,” he said. “Usually, the people who are willing to admit their mistakes are some of the finest people.”