Allstate’s Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign Targets Financial Abuse

https://youtu.be/3XvbpYcgCrk

Allstate Foundation Purple Purse has launched an awareness and fundraising campaign to call attention to the barriers that keep women trapped in abusive relationships. The #FreetoWalk campaign kicks off with the release of the online film “America’s Largest Prison Break,” the true story of a financial abuse survivor’s 700-day journey to freedom.

The film recounts the true story of how Lori, a mother from Michigan, broke free from her abusive relationship by secretly saving money to fund her escape from her abusive husband. When no one was watching, she would hide single bills in a box in her bathroom until she had collected enough money to leave safely with her children and file for divorce.

“I’m honored Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is using my story to help others understand the impact of financial abuse,” said Lori, domestic violence survivor and activist, in an announcement by Allstate Foundation. “Making financial abuse part of the national domestic violence conversation and educating people on the power of financial empowerment will help break the cycle of domestic violence.”

Now in its 12th year of supporting this issue, Allstate Foundation Purple Purse says it has helped more than 800,000 domestic violence survivors on the road to safety through its tools, including the Moving Ahead Through Financial Management curriculum that equips women with resources to regain their financial independence.

To date, the Allstate Foundation has invested more than $50 million in programs for survivors.

According to the Center for Disease Control, one in four American women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. And in 99 percent of domestic violence cases, victims will also experience financial abuse, which means their abusers deny them access to money, ruin their credit by stealing their identity or harass them at work so they lose their jobs, according to the Center for Financial Security. Financial abuse is the No. 1 reason victims stay in or return to abusive relationships.

Allstate Foundation Purple Purse aims to create long-term safety and security for domestic violence survivors through financial empowerment.

“Financial abuse is an invisible weapon that’s just as effective as a lock and key in controlling victims,” said Vicky Dinges, senior vice president, Corporate Responsibility, Allstate Insurance Co. “Without financial resources, victims remain trapped in homes that feel more like prisons. Our #FreeToWalk campaign brings financial abuse out of the shadows and helps victims gain access to resources they need to break free and to rebuild their lives.”

Activist and Emmy-nominated actress Kerry Washington said she is proud to return as Purple Purse ambassador for the third year. “Through this year’s #FreeToWalk campaign, we are putting the spotlight on financial abuse and engaging the public to lend their support,” she said.

In addition to the film, the Allstate Foundation’s 2016 Purple Purse campaign will include #FreeToWalk activities that will provide opportunities for the public to help women break free from domestic violence. Money raised goes to domestic violence organizations across the country.

Source: Allstate Foundation