The Allstate Foundation and Actress Rosario Dawson Join Forces to Fight Domestic Violence with a Purple Purse

Purple purse passes will raise $175,000 to help victims of domestic violence

(3BL Media) Northbrook, IL - October 4, 2012 - Domestic violence affects 145 women every hour in the U.S. On average, three women die every day as a result. In an effort to spark life-changing, important conversations on domestic violence actress Rosario Dawson has joined forces with The Allstate Foundation to raise awareness with the Purple Purse campaign.  As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, The Allstate Foundation has pledged to donate up to $175,000 to the YWCA for programs aimed at helping survivors of domestic violence and other women in need.

“As an advocate to end violence against women, I know that most people agree it is hard to talk about domestic violence,” said Dawson. “Resources like the Purple Purse are very important as they give victims, and those who want to help, the power to do something and speak up without shame or fear." 

This year, The Allstate Foundation is putting the power of the purse in Americans’ hands. Hundreds of purple purses filled with domestic violence information will be distributed throughout the U.S. Each purse has a goal of being passed on between family, friends, community leaders, celebrities, media, and Allstate employees and agents. The Allstate Foundation will donate $10 each time a purse is passed and checked in on PurplePurse.com. The Allstate Foundation is also encouraging Americans to join the movement on Facebook to help support domestic violence survivors. For each person who shares or re-shares a virtual purple purse on Facebook.com/Purple Purse, The Allstate Foundation will donate $5 to the YWCA.

“Domestic Violence is an issue that affects millions, but few talk about it,” said Vicky Dinges, vice president of public social responsibility at Allstate. “By passing along the purple purse, people can start conversations to help break the silence around the issue.  The purse also serves as a strong visual reminder of financial empowerment – the number one predictor of whether a woman can break free and stay free from violence.”

Purple Purse aims to help make the conversations around domestic violence easier. PurplePurse.com and the accompanying national awareness campaign, provide a safe haven that includes a variety of information and resources specific to domestic violence and financial empowerment.  Americans are encouraged to visit PurplePurse.com for conversation starters, ways to spot signs of abuse and steps to gaining financial independence.

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.

About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.

About YWCA
The YWCA is the voice for every woman. For over a century, the YWCA has spoken out and taken action on behalf of women and girls. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Over 2 million people participate each year in YWCA programs at more than 1,300 locations across the U.S. Worldwide, the YWCA serves more than 25 million women and girls in 125 countries. For more information, visit: http://www.ywca.org
 

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