Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign with The Allstate Foundation and MomSelect. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kerry Washington, notably known for her lead role in ABC’s Scandal, is lending her celebrity for Allstate Foundation Purple Purse to speak out against something that affects one in four women: domestic violence. It affects more women with ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer combined. Contrary to popular belief, domestic violence isn’t just physical abuse. Domestic violence comes in various forms, such as financial, intimidation, emotional, manipulation, and sexual. Financial abuse is one the most powerful ways to control the victim.
Kerry Washington revealed in an interview with the Huffington Post that the main reason why women in abusive marriages and relationships stay is because of financial control. She went on to say: “I think people just aren’t as aware of financial abuse. If a woman isn’t even aware of the dynamics of financial abuse – what it looks like, what it is – she may not even know that that’s part of the tools being used to control her and manipulate her and keep her trapped. When there is more information around it, people can begin to identify it and then get the help they need.”
“One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence,” Kerry stated. “Finances are almost always a weapon of choice. Taking away access to cash to strain credit, jeopardizing jobs. Financial abuse leaves invisible bruises that can take decades to heal.”
As an ambassador for Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, Kerry Washington designed a limited-edition purple purse to help bring more awareness to domestic violence, especially economic abuse.
“This is an issue that’s really close to my heart and when this opportunity came along, I just felt like it was such a great opportunity,” Kerry explained to Us Weekly. “You want to be part of the solution, and this bag is a way to address helping women in a very tangible, specific way.”
In addition, The Allstate Foundation also created 80,000 purse tassels to support and bring awareness for these victims and survivors alike. Each purse tassel has a removable card attached that features one of five inspiring survivor stories.
Forms of Financial Abuse
>> Not paying the bills, thus ruining the credit score of the victim
>> Maxing out the victim’s credit cards
>> Keeping the victim from viewing shared bank accounts or records
>> Not allowing the victim access to bank accounts
>> Giving the victim gifts, yet expecting them to return the favor
>> Refusing to pay or evading child support
>> Using the victim’s social security number to obtain credit without their permission
>> Having the victim to file fraudulent tax returns or write bad checks
>> Hiding assets
>> Hiding or stealing the victim’s student financial aid check
>> Forcing victim to beg or commit crimes for money
>> Making the victim account for every penny she spends
>> Manipulating the divorce process by drawing it out by hiding or not disclosing assets
>> Stealing the victim’s identity, inheritance, or property
>> Forcing the victim to work in a family business without pay
>> Getting the victim fired by harassing them, their employer or coworkers on the job
>> Placing their paycheck in their account and denying them access to it
>> Using a child’s social security number of the victim to claim an income tax refund without their permission
>> Refusing to give the victim money, especially for necessities: medicine, rent, food, and clothing
>> Giving the victim an allowance and closely watching how they spend it
>> Not allowing the victim to work or limiting the hours
>> Preventing the victim from working by taking away the car or car keys
If you’re a victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224.
Good for Allstate for raising awareness about this.
I love the fact that their raising awareness about abuse!
Ty recently posted..Affordable Fall Looks For High School Girls
I thankfully am not, but am so glad to hear of this charity and the way one can support it. I’ve known of many a woman who had to leave a bad relationship, become single mothers and had to meet both their own and their children’s’ emotional and financial needs and it was due to the kindness of others and organizations like Purple Purse that they were able to move onward and upward after having little coming out of that situation.
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) recently posted..George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
I’ve never been in such situations but know of those that have. It’s so sad to see how difficult it has been for one of my friends and financial plays a huge role in her not continuing to go back!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs recently posted..2014 SF Ultimate Women’s EXPO & Massage Envy Spa Booth
this is for such a nice cause – so many people are having problems with this and some are not even aware of it.
Aisha Kristine Chong recently posted..New York Fashion Week: The Latest Trends Straight from the Catwalk
What a great cause and I love the symbol of a purple purse.
Colleen recently posted..25 Hidden Secrets Uses and Benefits of Coconut Oil
Well Allstate is known for being the good hands people. There are so many types of financial abuse, learned something today.
Lots of great information. Thanks for getting the word out about financial abuse.
I have been in this situation in the past and so glad to be out of it. This is great what they are doing.
Wow! I haven’t heard of these purple tassels before now but what a wonderful idea. That’s a nice foundation that Allstate has started. That’s wonderful!
Abuse can come in so many different forms. Financial isn’t one that comes to mind immediately but I definitely see how this can happen between spouses. Awareness about this is great!
Heather recently posted..What September Looked Like To Us
This is a great campaign for a good cause. Abuse comes in many forms. It’s great that Kerry is using her influence to make people aware of this one.
Erica Brooks recently posted..Scented Pine Cones Craft
This was a wonderful idea, This type of abuse, keeps woman in the hands of their abusers. I was so thrilled to get my tassel the other day and keep raising awareness to every type of abuse as well.
I am so loving this campaign. The foundation is up to a great start.
Letty C. recently posted..Organic Matcha Not only a Tea
What an interesting angle to an important cause. I’m glad that they’re getting involved to raise awareness and help women in need of support.
Lavende & Lemonade recently posted..Farm to Table Organic Cheese
What an amazing cause. And, your bag and tassel are such bright fun colors.
Krystal’s Kitsch recently posted..Halloween Party Ideas
Such an important campaign and wonderful that you’ve gotten involved.
Michelle recently posted..Warm up with Sopa Aguada de Fideo
I don’t think I’ve ever thought about financial abuse. What an eye opener of a campaign!
I’ll get out of domestic violence abuse if I feel like I’m starting to be in it. Good thing not. But for some other who have experienced or are experiencing it, good thing there are movements like this that can at least help them. I never knew about financial abuse, thanks to you and Allstate. Is Allstate, the Allstate insurance farm company btw?
jo recently posted..How To Make Your Own Milk At Home
I love that guy on All State commercials. I have All State Life Insurance, but I have got to check this other stuff out. It’s great to hear about insurance companies other than try to take your MONEY!
XmasDolly recently posted..Monday’s Music Moves Me
I do believe that is one of the biggest reasons they stay. People really don’t talk about this abuse either Thanks for sharing the awareness.
what a great case! I just heard about this organization recently. I think it’s a great idea and a creative way to get support.
Mrs mAshed up recently posted..Gotham TV Show: Not Batman for kids.
A lot of people don’t realize that there are so many different ways to abuse someone and/or be abused. It’s hard to leave a situation like that.
Slap Dash Mom recently posted..How to Stop Bullying – National Bullying Prevention Month
Kudos to All State for raising a aware to this very important cause. Thanks for sharing!
Lucky Seven Ten recently posted..New York Fashion Week Beauty Lounges
Great information, this is not talked about nor made aware of enough. Thanks for sharing the awareness. Sorta is a hush hush topic and it shouldn’t be.
Heather recently posted..Dream Trip Close But Still Reaching…Tanzania, Africa
I never thought of this any difference from psychological abuse. This is why when women enter a relationship… yes, there should be a joint account, but she needs to have her own secret stash. This is for her emergencies and to surprise people for birthdays and such. It really should be a savings account. I’d also recommend investing in good stocks on the side and never mention them.
It’s unfortunate that such a thing has to be done, but in this day and age, you never know who are yare marrying until sometimes years down the road.
Nile Flores recently posted..Popularity And Being Influential Are Not Always The Same
I’d never thought about financial abuse as a form of domestic abuse. Thanks for raising my awareness.
Patranila recently posted..Pretty in Pink: Beauty products for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Allstate rocks! What a great cause so bravo for them!
I never really thought of this as abuse. But you are so right! This is a great read!
Wow I love this so cool , my mum is crazy on purple .x
Such and important cause and organization. It’s insane all the levels of abuse that are out there.
vanessa: thequeenofswag recently posted..A Spooky Good Time With My Mitsubishi Mirage!
Wow, I hadn’t really given much thought to the financial aspect of domestic abuse. I can see why it would be so challenging for some individuals to remove themselves from an abusive situation. It isn’t always as simple as just walking away. I’m grateful Allstate is shining a light on this topic.
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