Ending Domestic Violence Through Financial Empowerment

The Allstate Foundation, an independent charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of Allstate, committed to putting the company’s financial expertise to work to help end domestic violence and financial abuse back in 2005. That was the start of the Purple Purse program which is focused on ending domestic violence by addressing the financial abuse trapping 99% of victims in homes that feel more like prisons. In the past 12 years, the Foundation has served more than 1 million domestic violence survivors, guiding them to lead safer and financially secure lives.

Ellen, a senior manager who works specifically on Purple Purse, has seen the impact of the company’s involvement. When she started on the Purple Purse team, she admitted to not knowing a whole lot about the issue. What she has learned the most though, is that it’s happening everywhere. “It’s not always ‘over there’,” she says, “it’s happening to people we know. And, this isn’t just a ‘women’s issue,’ it’s a societal issue. As I’ve come to understand how pervasive domestic violence is, it’s obvious we can’t just ignore it. I’m lucky to be in the role I’m in because I can have an impact and continue encouraging public education and awareness around the issue.” Ellen feels proud of the work she’s doing, knowing that every day, she contributes to something so important.

Look for the Purple Purse logo (image shown at top) throughout the month of October and check back weekly for our next story.

To learn more about the Foundation and the Purple Purse Challenge click here.