The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Initiative Empowers Women To Build Safer Lives #PurplePurse
The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse initiative was created to increase the conversations, thoughts, and actions of ending domestic violence and the financial abuse that traps women in abusive relationships. In conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the program ignites fundraising for more than 140 national, state and local domestic violence organizations. Funds raised will support life-changing financial empowerment services to help domestic violence survivors build safer lives for themselves and their families. Allstate Foundation Purple Purse aims to break the cycle of violence in our nation – one family at a time.
Most people think of physical abuse alone when they consider domestic violence. However financial abuse happens in 98% of all cases of domestic violence and is one of the most powerful ways to keep a victim trapped. In fact, financial abuse is just as effective in controlling an abused victim as a lock and key. If a woman’s credit has been ruined, she can’t get an apartment. If her abuser constantly harasses her at work, she can lose her job. And, crushing debt run up by an abuser means it could take a survivor and her children years to fully recover from abuse.Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Initiative
Domestic violence and financial abuse often go hand-in-hand, but nearly 8 in 10 Americans are unaware of financial abuse as a form of domestic violence. The number one reason domestic violence survivors stay, or leave and return to an abusive relationship is because they lack the financial resources to break free.Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Initiative
New evidence from the Center on Violence Against Women and Children at Rutgers University School of Social Work indicates that boosting a survivor’s financial literacy, skills and resources can create a path toward long-term safety and security for survivors. This is where Allstate Foundation Purple Purse comes in: their website PurplePurse.com has important tips and tools to help women recognize domestic violence and financial abuse, and most of all, talk about it and end it.Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Initiative
The Allstate Foundation is also widely distributing custom designed Purple Purse charms that can be used by women everywhere to turn any purse into a Purple Purse. The charm can be attached to a favorite handbag to raise awareness and show support of the cause year round. Kerry Washington has become involved in the initiative as well: the Emmy-nominated actress and domestic violence activist is serving as a Purple Purse ambassador this year to help raise awareness for the cause. As part of her role, Kerry has also designed a limited-edition purple purse to inspire women to reclaim their domestic and financial independence (take a closer look at her involvement here).
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 Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Initiative
We are now in an era where women who have experienced violence do not have to suffer in silence. And we are so strong and are such a powerful force that we can now stop the violence right away. We can all help ensure domestic violence survivors are not financially trapped in an abusive relationship by becoming involved in the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Initiative. Let’s do our part to stand up for survivors and the organizations that serve them to make a difference.
 Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Initiative
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Learn more about this initiative by visiting:
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 Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Initiative
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If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799 SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.
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Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Initiative
