Purple Is the Color Of Change
Disclosure: this is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Allstate Foundation® and Latina Bloggers Connect. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I have a hard time writing about this topic. I can't find the thread of words that would allow me to write clearly and specifically. I have perused the commentary on the hashtag #WhyIStayed. They tell a heartbreaking story and show us courage and what it takes to be a survivor. Partly because I am empathetic to women in need and precarious situations.
And partly because I have been in an emotionally abusive relationship. That's the first time I've written those words. So, there they are for the world to see. I have to process the #WhyIStayed. It was so many years ago and my brain has done a good job at folding up the memories and hurt and tucking it in a cast iron chest with a lock whose combination numbers I ate.
Why Now?
If you've read me for any extended period of time you know that I believe our stories connect us. When I got word of the Allstate Purple Purse Foundation, I figured now was as good a time as any. The numbers behind domestic violence are upsetting at best.
One in four women are affected by domestic violence. That's more than breast cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer combined.
Financial abuse happens in 98% of domestic violence cases.
The Purple Purse Foundation fundraises for more than 145 national, state and local domestic violence organizations. One of their aims is also to break the cycle of violence in our nation. From now until October 3rd, supporters are being asked to make a donation to help the women in these situations.
Turning Fashion Into Conversation
The foundation is distributing 80,000 purse tassels that you can attach to any purse. This tassel can be used as a conversation starter around domestic violence. It comes with a personal story that puts the situation in context. Why is it needed?
Two-thirds of Americans believe that domestic violence is a serious problem, yet just over 1 in 3 have ever talked about it.
The tassels are there to encourage dialog and to help. Sometimes we don't realize the power of our words or the people they are helping. Especially when you think back to that 1 in 4 number.
The 2014 Purple Purse
Meet the Purple Purse of 2014. And meet the ambassador that's serving to bring awareness to the cause: Emmy-nominated Kerry Washington (did you know she's a badass activist?)
The purse was created to represent the center of a woman’s financial domain and to inspire women to reclaim their financial independence.
I urge you read up on this campaign and to spread the word. Let's support that one in four and lend our voices (and our dollar bills) to the cause.
Disclosure: this is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Allstate Foundation® and Latina Bloggers Connect. All thoughts and opinions are my own.