The Allstate Foundation and YWCA Join Together to Pass the Purple Purse and Raise up to $15,000 to the YWCA

Domestic Violence Awareness. End Quote

New York, NY (1888PressRelease) October 17, 2012 - Purple Purses to be Passed from One Community Member to the Next to Encourage Conversation Around Domestic Violence; Hundreds of Purses Will be Passed Across N.Y.

Even though domestic violence affects more than 1 in 4 women in their lifetime, only about half of Americans say they would know what to do to help a victim of domestic violence. To build awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Allstate Foundation selected the YWCA of the City of New York as one of 14 local YWCAs to be a part of the Purple Purse Campaign.

Throughout October, hundreds of purple purses carrying domestic violence information will be given to Allstate employees, local YWCAs, government officials, celebrities, media and domestic violence leaders to pass along between friends and family. Each time a purse is passed and registered on PurplePurse.com, $10 will be donated to the YWCA, up to $15,000 for any local YW. You can also pass a purse: visit the Purple Purse campaign on Facebook.

"The YWCA is proud to be part of the Purple Purse campaign and to be partnering with Allstate to deliver financial empowerment programs to women who are experiencing domestic violence," said Danielle Moss-Lee, the CEO of the YWCA of the City of New York. "Empowering women is a major piece of the YW's mission therefore; there is great synergy between the YW and Allstate around this issue."

Through the Women's Empowerment Network (WEN), the YW provides individualized, wraparound services aimed at helping women become economically self-sufficient while establishing a sense of hope and safety for themselves and for their families: empowerment and awareness is key to preventing abuse. With a grant from the Allstate Foundation, the YW implemented the Moving Ahead Through Financial Management curriculum.

Financial literacy is one of the keys to empowering women, especially those who have been victims of domestic violence and separated from their abusers. Various studies show that battered women cite financial issues as a primary reason for staying with their abusers. Another study shows that abusive partners will often intimidate victims by exerting financial control, will harass partners over finances or will sabotage her efforts to go.

Interviews are available with the YW's new CEO, Dr. Danielle Moss-Lee as well as a representative from The Allstate Foundation.

YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Media Contact: Lenore Neier
The Wakeman Agency
T: 212-500-5953 x112
E: lneier ( @ ) thewakemanagency dot com

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