*This sponsored post was written by me in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and The Allstate Foundation. All opinions are 100% mine.
Many people are unaware that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Unfortunately, many of us have been affected personally by domestic violence, myself included. Back in high school, I had a good friend who was being abused by her boyfriend and I recall how frustrated I felt and how worried I was for her welfare. I just couldn’t understand how she could continue to stay with someone who was treating her this way and I didn’t know how I could help her.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO GET HELP?
The scariest moment for me was when her boyfriend beat her in the car with his friends present and then kicked her out of the car. As she recounted the story to me and I gazed upon her badly bruised face, I knew that I had to do something to help her because I was afraid that he was going to kill her. I was able to get help from teachers whom we trusted and they gave her the guidance that she needed to get help and to get away from this abusive situation.
As time went on, I was able to get through to her about how she deserved to be treated with respect and love which gave her the strength to finally break away from him permanently. Luckily, I had strong women around me who rallied around us and gave my friend the support that she needed to break this vicious cycle of abuse. She has recovered from this experience and is stronger because of it. These days, she is a college graduate in a healthy and loving relationship with a man who values her and treats her like gold. Sadly, not all domestic abuse situations end this way and women are still losing their lives as a result of it.
THE TRUTH ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
The Allstate Foundation understands that a woman’s best chance at escaping this cycle of abuse is by gaining financial independence. For the third year in a row, its Purple Purse campaign has pledged to donate up to $350,000 to the YWCA for programs designed at assisting survivors of domestic violence and other women in need. Although domestic violence impacts millions, it is still considered a taboo subject by many and the Purple Purse campaign allows people to talk about it and to easily disseminate information about how to get help to others by passing the “Purple Purse.”
Many times, not having the financial resources or financial knowledge will be the deciding factor in whether a battered woman will leave, stay, or even return to an abusive relationship. Domestic violence is not a subject that is just going to go away, as a matter of fact, it affects one in four women throughout their lifetime which is more women than breast cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer affect combined. Sadly, one third of all Americans have not even discussed the issue with family or friends perpetuating the stigma around it.
THE PURPLE PURSE CAMPAIGN:
The Allstate Foundation is sending more than 1000 purple purses throughout the country containing information about domestic violence awareness to be shared with colleagues, family members and friends. The hope is that these purses will spark the conversations about domestic violence that we all need to have.
For every purse that is passed or shared through the month of October, The Allstate Foundation will donate $5 to YWCA for a total amount of $350,000 to aid programs that are designed to assist the victims of domestic violence and to help them end the cycle of abuse.
HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
This is one of those times when I really need all of you to lend your support. Here is what you can do to help!
Click on the virtual purse above and enter the code 0003 to “Pass” the virtual Purple Purse and raise money for victims of domestic violence!
- Clicks on the virtual purse link above either here on the blog or on my social media accounts, and pass the purse by entering the code 0003 on the card into www.purplepurse.com
- Once you do so, a $5 donation will be initiated from Allstate Foundation to the YWCA for programs that support victims of domestic violence and build financial empowerment.
- Share this link and code with as many people as possible and “Pass the Purple Purse” to help as many victims of domestic violence as possible!
If you need immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224
Let’s Discuss: Why do you think it is so difficult for people to talk about domestic violence?
Disclosure: This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Bloggers Connect and The Allstate Foundation. However, all opinions expressed are my own. I only recommend products or services I use personally and I believe will be “family friendly.” I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
© 2013, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
What an awesome program to support a great cause!
Great program. I will pass the purse on. Thanks!
This is such a lovely program. Domestic violence is such a serious issue. I hope this message reaches those in need of support. Rock on Maria! Thanks for helping to spread the word!
This is a great program, domestic abuse/violence is something that is more often hidden than discussed and it needs to be brought out. It took me 4 years of an abusive husband to get the strength to say enough was enough because they make you believe that its your fault and we dont want to admit that we are wrong to the world. The more women and men that know that living in an abusive relationship isnt their fault and they can have the strength to move past it the better
What a noble cause. A great program that brings awareness to all that bad going on in families nowadays.
I think people are embarrassed to admit that it’s happening to them. I can’t say for sure because I’ve never been in the situation, but I think it would be hard to admit that I let someone abuse me like that to another person.
This really is such a great cause and way to spread the word. My best friend was also affected by domestic violence and it hurt me everyday to see how quickly she was drowning and how hard it was for her to find that voice. I’ve passed a purse. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve passed the purse. Just like you I had a friend who was in an abusive relationship as well. Instead of a boyfriend it was a husband. Lots of people tend to stick around when it’s a husband because they want to “think about the kids”. Thinking about the kids means getting out of an abusive relationship for them. I try not to get involved in marital affairs but I told her to really “think” about the kids. She ended up leaving and I’m happy for her. She’s also now in a stable relationship with someone who loves both her and the kids.
I’m glad to see others posting about this. I’m working on my post this week and it’s difficult. I keep starting over because it’s hard to tell my own personal story to the world. It makes it easier knowing that others have gone through similar things – I couldn’t imagine dealing with it while going to high school like your friend did. 🙁
Thank you for highlighting such an important cause xxx Ir’s so important xxx
I know women who have gone through this, including my aunt and my oldest daughter. I think people don’t talk about it because they somehow feel they are to blame. The people who inflict this on others are very good at manipulating their victims into taking this on as a their own problem. Very sad, thanks for writing about it.
I have always had a hard time myself understanding how someone can stay in an abusive relationship. No matter how it is explained to me… I still don’t understand.
Wow. This is such a great cause. Women should be respected, not mistreated.
Women must keep coming forward
Thank you for sharing.
This is such an important cause. Thank you for sharing with us and helping to raise awareness.
Violence is really something important and not to be taken lightly.. Thanks for sharing this.
I am glad that there is a month dedicated to getting the word out about domestic violence. Maybe with so much exposure, a lot of good will result.
I was totally unaware of that. What a great cause thanks for sharing. I will pass the info along to my friends.
I’ve helped domestic violence victims and support our local shelter and this is something that touches the lives of all different people regardless of income and nationality. Great cause to support.
I am just so happy to see what Allstate is doing here. These women do need help to escape!
Great campaign from Allstate! Kudos! I did some tweets earlier- had to come check the post out. I had a friend who lived in an abusive home in high school. My parents went and got her one night. Won’t ever forget it.
Great post! I just posted about mine last night!
Do you know if we can do this over in the UK as well? As a survivor I would love to take part 🙂 x
Domestic violence is a big issue, been there and have the scars. I hope this helps those in need.
This is wonderful, such a great cause!
this is such a serious situation. My sister was in an abusive relationship and she feared for her life. Her husband was a horrible drunk and almost put her in the hospital many time. It was so hard for her to get away as we didn’t have any programs back that that helps women and kids escape.
I shared the purse for you! My husband hit me once and we found out he had high blood sugar making him angry and not himself. I am outspoken about it because of my abusive childhood. My husband (now treated for diabetes) treats me like gold and cherishes me.
Thanks for a great post about a great cause.. SOOO can relate and I’m excited to hear that there is someone that is willing to change and help …. Been there done that.. wasn’t easy but I’m glad I can leave this chapter behind me, don’t think anyone should have to deal with this…
This is so important for women to know that there is people out there they can rely on to get help. I am so glad for your friend that she was able to break the cycle and find someone that deserves her. How scary to see that and be in a situation like that.
I am so glad your friend was able to get away from a bad situation. Sometimes women and girls just cannot. I am always happy to hear about big companies that help out those in need.
I have never been a victim of domestic violence, but I was once a victim of emotional abuse when I was younger. Either way, there needs to be more and more awareness for abuse of any kind!
Great that Allstate Foundation supports programs fro domestic violence victims, as they rely on that help. These programs give an opportunity to leave the abusive environment and stand for yourself.
Fan R @TeddyOutReady
What a great program and way to spread awareness! I knew it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month not Domestic Violence, now I know! I’m glad your friend got away from a bad situation
this is a wonderful program and glad to hear about it!
Wow. What a powerful post. I just clicked and passed the purple purse on.