Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge

Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign with The Allstate Foundation and MomSelect. All thoughts and opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.  

Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is to make it easier for people to talk about domestic violence and the financial abuse that traps women in abusive relationships. This program holds fundraising for more than 140 national, state and local domestic violence organizations. The funds raised will help 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. 

Did you know that domestic violence affects one in four women in her lifetime? That is more women than breast cancer, ovarian cancer or lung cancer combined. What do you think of when you think of domestic violence? Most people only think of physical abuse, yet, financial abuse happens in 98% of all cases of domestic violence and is one of the most powerful ways to keep a victim trapped. Domestic violence and financial abuse often go hand-in-hand, but nearly 9 in 10 American's have not heard about financial abuse as a form of domestic violence. The number one reason domestic violence survivors stay, leave or return to an abusive relationship is that they do not have the financial resources to break free. Two-thirds of Americans believe that domestic violence is a serious problem, yet just over 1 in 3 have ever talked about it. Allstate Foundation Purple Purse aims to make it fashionable to talk about this difficult and painful topic. By joining the Purple Purse Challenge you can help ensure domestic violence survivors, who likely could be someone you know, aren't financially trapped in an abusive relationship. 

The Allstate Foundation is investing more than half a million dollars in the Purple Purse Challenge. The more donations each nonprofit gets, the more it can compete for Allstate Foundation incentive funding. Go to PurplePurse.com between Sept. 2nd and Oct. 3rd to join the Challenge and help a nonprofit near you.

Kerry Washington, an Emmy-nominated actress and domestic violence activist is serving as a Purple Purse ambassador to help raise awareness for the cause and has designed a limited-edition purple purse. The purse was created to represent the center of a woman's financial domain and to inspire women to reclaim their financial independence. She managed the design process of her limited-edition purple purse from start to finish and incorporated on-trend shapes, details and fabrics. It's the hottest accessory this season from a fashion perspective, but also because it's helping make lives safer. The purse is being used by nonprofits participating in the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge to spark conversation about domestic violence and financial empowerment in their communities. 

You can turn any purse into a Purple Purse, The Allstate Foundation is widely distributing Purple Purse charms so you can show your support and attach to your favorite bag, all year round. They are being distributed with inspiring survivor stories through Purple Purse Challenge participants and Allstate agency owners. PurplePurse.com has important tips and tools to help you recognize domestic violence and financial abuse, talk about it and end it. 

Financial abuse is just as effective in controlling an abused victim as a lock and key. If her credit has been ruined, she can't get an apartment. If her abuser constantly harasses her at work, she can lose her job. Also, crushing debt that is run up by an abuser means that it could take a survivor and her children years to fully recover from abuse. 

Since 2005, The Allstate Foundation has invested more then $40 million across the country to help domestic violence survivors regain control of their finances and break free from abuse. New evidence from the Center of 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. 

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224. 

Please visit Purple Purse, make a donation and proudly wear your purple purse charm on your purse in support of the beautiful women in the world who have been through domestic violence! Break the silence and STAND TOGETHER!