Bellas, for the past several months I’ve been sharing information about Allstate Foundation Purple Purse – a campaign aimed at creating long-term safety and security for domestic violence survivors through financial empowerment. Financial abuse is happening to more women than we realize.
When most of us think of domestic violence, we think of physical abuse. Financial abuse happens in 98 percent of all cases. It’s an invisible weapon that keeps victims trapped. Without money or access to bank accounts, victims often feel powerless to leave their abusers. Oftentimes you’ll see people blaming victims of financial abuse for being victims, by saying things like “they’re just staying for the money,” or “why doesn’t she just leave?” It isn’t that easy. In fact, leaving an abusive relationship can be more difficult than it seems. For perspective, check out Allstate Foundation Purple Purse’s online interactive experience, Why Don’t You Just Leave? You can experience what it’s like to go from victim to survivor by visiting PurplePurse.com — click on “Why Don’t You Just Leave?” and see for yourself how domestic abuse escalates.
Allstate Foundation Purple Purse chose a purse as its symbol to educate the public about domestic violence and financial abuse because your purse is like your financial center. It’s more than just a bottomless black hole filled with lipsticks (although sometimes it seems like that’s my purse’s primary function). It’s where we keep all the things that matter to us, the things we need to get through our lives. Keys, wallets, important papers; the things we grab to take with us as we live life. It’s a fitting symbol. You can make your everyday purse a symbol of financial freedom and a beacon of hope for victims of financial abuse by rocking the Purple Purse charm. I rock a Purple Purse charm on my handbag and my travel bag. Look!
You can click here to get a $10 Purple Purse charm, or to purchase the limited-edition purple purse that was designed by Kerry Washington and Dee Ocleppo, exclusively available through Saks Fifth Avenue. Obviously both would make wonderful and meaningful holiday gifts. Your support may help a woman regain her independence and rebuild her life.
I also want to congratulate the winners of the 2015 Purple Purse Challenge – they raised nearly $3.1 million in donations for the more than 160 participating nonprofits! All of the organizations help domestic violence survivors break free from being financially trapped in an abusive relationship and provide financial empowerment services to help survivors break free from violence.
It’s not too late for you to get involved and help make a difference – either by donating or purchasing a purple purse charm or purse. Visit PurplePurse.com for more information.
If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. The hotline and other survivor resources are available on PurplePurse.com.
This post was sponsored by Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, but I truly do support this important cause. All opinions are mine.
