This post is part of a sponsored campaign with The Allstate Foundation and MomSelect. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Domestic violence…a pretty heavy topic right? Not silly, or snarky, or fun like a lot of stuff you’re used to seeing on this site, but it is important and it’s a topic that I can’t just pass over and pay no attention to when the opportunity arises. See, what most of you don’t realize is that I know the effects of domestic violence first hand because I lived it for several years, and I survived it. Some days I wasn’t sure if that was going to be the case and that’s why I am in love with what The Allstate Foundation is doing through the Purple Purse challenge.
You see, most of you didn’t know that little tid bit of information because it’s not something that I have openly shared with everyone in the past. Not because I was embarrassed, or ashamed, or angry, but because it was just something that I wanted to pretend didn’t happen. Truth be told I’ve always prided myself in being a very strong individual so admitting that I was a victim or a “statistic” wasn’t something that I was willing to do….a lot can be said for stubborn pride. But the truth is that it happened, I was a victim, and now I’m in a position to make others aware that this problem is much more common that anyone wants to admit. There’s a good chance that the majority of you reading this have either suffered or know someone who has suffered some form of domestic abuse and it’s time we all take notice.
In case you aren’t aware, October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and purple is the designated color of support which is where the Allstate Purple Purse Challenge comes in to play. 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.
Did You Know:
* Domestic violence affects one in four women in her lifetime – that’s more women than breast cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer combined.
* Most people think only of physical abuse when they consider 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. The number one reason domestic violence survivors stay, leave or return to an abusive relationship is that they don’t have the financial resources to break free.
Crazy right? You don’t always think of financial issues being a part of domestic abuse, but trust me…it absolutely is even if I hadn’t really thought about it from that perspective before. The good news is that someone has recognized this problem and is trying to help. The Allstate Foundation is investing more than half a million dollars in the Purple Purse Challenge. Even Kerry Washington, Emmy-nominated actress and domestic violence activist, is serving as a Purple Purse ambassador to help raise awareness for the cause and has designed a limited-edition purple purse. The purse was created to represent the center of a woman’s financial domain and to inspire women to reclaim their financial independence.
How to Get Help
If you are interested in finding out more I urge you to go to PurplePurse.com for important tips and tools to help you recognize domestic violence and financial abuse, talk about it and end it. 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. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Have you or someone you know been affected by domestic violence? Will you be taking the Purple Purse Challenge? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!
Heather @ Life of a Traveling Navy Wife says
September 22, 2014 at 7:09 amI really applaud you for sharing your story. I relate to it on so many levels. I used to be that woman, “If a man ever laid a hand on me, it’s over.” But when you’re in that situation it’s so different. I was ashamed and embarrassed to tell anyone because I figured his demons were to blame and made excuse after excuse.
I have a close friend going through this now. Oh Alison, I could go on forever about it, but she was raised in a cult where abuse is the norm. This is going on in our country RIGHT NOW. Somehow, by a miracle, she has found the strength to stand up against her family, against her abuser (the father to her two children) and to so many in her community and not only leave the cult, but leave the man who has abused her kids and her for so long – again, this religion sees it as perfectly normal. What you write – financial stress. Oh my gosh, I am trying to help her. In the religion you are not allowed to work, and somehow she found a job, but she’s barely making ends meet as she waits for the divorce to be finalized.
Sorry this got so long. I just know that if she can help one other woman out there through her story, she’d want to. I found the strength to leave 8 years ago and now I am married to a man who has helped other domestic abuse survivors.
I choose to see it that way. I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor. Applause to you again for sharing this. I will be visiting the site and contributing. Also sharing on my social media. – Heather
Alison says
September 23, 2014 at 10:01 pmI totally get it…heck, I still catch myself giving other people advice about not taking any crap and then I’m like “really girl…look at the pot calling the kettle black!” It’s definitely much easier said than done (both saying you’d never allow that situation and getting out of it once it happens).
And as far as being long winded…this is a topic that’s hard to talk about without saying a whole helluva lot so comment away girl!
Heather says
September 22, 2014 at 9:00 amThis is a great post! I am going to the link to check it out now.
Honeygirlk says
September 22, 2014 at 9:50 amI love this little detail that shows your support for a great cause. I would totally rock this on my purse. It amazes me at how many people, how many women, are affected by domestic violence. My husband and I have been together for almost 17 years but prior to that I was in a relationship that was difficult and sad. I was in high school and luckily I had the courage to say I deserve better. I pray each and every day that women realize they deserve better… but I know it is not easy. Thank you for sharing your story.
Crystal Green says
September 22, 2014 at 10:33 amAs a fellow survivor I must say that this post was very touching. I’m working up the wording for my post for this wonderful campaign. It’s not an easy topic to talk about especially when you’ve lived through it. You did a great job. Thank you for sharing your story.
Alison says
September 23, 2014 at 9:58 pmYeah…I wasn’t sure how to insert some of myself into it, without making it a novel, because as you understand, once you start that story there’s a lot to tell. I have a feeling that this post is probably just the beginning of my story coming to light…I haven’t decided for sure yet how much I’m willing to share right now, but with time I know it will come. I can’t wait to read your post!
NORAH says
September 22, 2014 at 4:53 pmThanks for sharing your story. This is such an important cause. When I was younger I worked at a women’s shelter and 90% of the women were escaping violent situations. Firsthand, I saw the impact and it was a hard job to go to.
Justina says
September 22, 2014 at 9:03 pmI’m so glad you shared your story. I have a similar story about growing up but I’m not ready to share yet. Funny how abuse does that to you, you feel like you owe that person something to protect their identity even after what they have done.
Lissa Cole says
October 26, 2014 at 8:34 pmWhat a cute charm and a great way to show others your support. Also a great way for someone who is being abused to approach you on the street to ask for help.