Discloser: This is a sponsored campaign post in collaboration with Allstate Foundation® and Latina Bloggers Connect. As always, all opinions are my own.
Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is making it fashionable to talk about domestic violence and the financial abuse that traps women in abusive relationships. The program ignites fundraising for more than 140 national, state and local domestic violence organizations. Funds raised will 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.
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It seems like you can’t turn on the television these last few weeks without hearing the words “domestic violence.” I haven’t watched the entire elevator video of Ray Rice knocking his then fiancee, Janay Palmer, unconscious but I’ve seen enough. The video – though shocking – is an unfortunate reality for many women. Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women in her lifetime – that’s more women than breast cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer combined. And while two-thirds of Americans believe that domestic violence is a serious problem, very few discuss it.
The Ray Rice footage has sparked a national debate among women and men. And I am actually appalled at the number of female fans who continue to support Rice and condemn Palmer for marrying him. Because with the conversation is also the question: Why didn’t she leave?
We claim to be a modern society, yet the victim of domestic violence is still held just as accountable as the abuser.
Most people only associate physical abuse with domestic violence. 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. It’s the reason why so many women stay. Because they do not have the financial resources to break free from their abuser.
One of the things my mother and madrina instilled in me was the importance of being financially independent, especially after marriage. “Always keep a small bank account with a few dollars for yourself – just in case,” they advised. At the time, they never said what “just in case” meant but now I know. Neither one of them wanted money to be the reason to stay in an unhappy marriage/relationship.
I feel fortunate to be in a healthy and happy marriage. But I also know I am not financially bound to it. I have my own small account and squirrel away a few dollars each paycheck. Not every woman can say the same.
That’s why the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is so critical. Not only does it aim to openly discuss domestic violence and financial abuse, but it provides important tips and tools to help women recognize domestic violence and financial abuse, talk about it and end it.
It’s time go beyond the water cooler conversation of Ray Rice and domestic violence – let’s take action. You can help ensure domestic violence survivors – likely someone you know – aren’t financially trapped in an abusive relationship by joining the Purple Purse Challenge. Open your heart and wallet to stand up for survivors and the organizations that serve them at PurplePurse.com.
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. 2 and Oct. 3 to join the Challenge and help a nonprofit near you.
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.
Discloser: This is a sponsored campaign post in collaboration with Allstate Foundation® and Latina Bloggers Connect. As always, all opinions are my own.
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