The Allstate Foundation Launches "America's Largest Prison Break" to Free Women Trapped by Domestic Violence

"America's Largest Prison Break" brings to life the true story of how Lori, a mother from Michigan, broke free from her abusive relationship. For two years, Lori secretly saved money to fund her escape from her abusive husband. With every visit to the grocery store, she would add small - $5 or $10 - amounts of cash to the checks she wrote to the clerk. Once home, when no one was watching, she would roll the single bills inside tampon applicators and hide them in a box in her bathroom until she had collected enough money to leave safely with her children and file for divorce.

"I'm honored Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is using my story to help others understand the impact of financial abuse," said Lori, domestic violence survivor and activist. "Making financial abuse part of the national domestic violence conversation and educating people on the power of financial empowerment will help break the cycle of domestic violence."

One in four¹ American women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. And in 99 percent² of domestic violence cases, victims will also experience financial abuse, which means their abusers deny them access to money, ruin their credit by stealing their identity or harass them at work so they lose their jobs. Financial abuse is the No. 1 reason victims stay in or return to abusive relationships. Allstate Foundation Purple Purse aims to create long-term safety and security for domestic violence survivors through financial empowerment. 

Continuing to serve as a voice for victims and to advance Allstate Foundation Purple Purse's efforts, Emmy-nominated actress and activist Kerry Washington returns for her third year as Allstate Foundation Purple Purse ambassador.

"I am proud to serve as ambassador once again for the Purple Purse program," Washington said. "Through this year's #FreeToWalk campaign, we are putting the spotlight on financial abuse and engaging the public to lend their support. I hope others will join me in championing this cause so Purple Purse can continue to help more women gain financial independence and find safety."

"Financial abuse is an invisible weapon that's just as effective as a lock and key in controlling victims," said Vicky Dinges, senior vice president, Corporate Responsibility, Allstate Insurance Company. "Without financial resources, victims remain trapped in homes that feel more like prisons. Our #FreeToWalk campaign brings financial abuse out of the shadows and helps victims gain access to resources they need to break free and to rebuild their lives."

On an average day in 2015, more than 12,000 requests for services such as emergency shelter and financial assistance for victims went unanswered due to a lack of funding at domestic violence programs. Visit PurplePurse.com today to help more women become #FreeToWalk.

In addition to the film, the Allstate Foundation's 2016 Purple Purse campaign will include various #FreeToWalk activities that will provide opportunities for the public to help women break free from domestic violence. Money raised ensures that domestic violence organizations across the country are able to provide services. 

Now in its 12th year of supporting this issue, Allstate Foundation Purple Purse has propelled more than 800,000 domestic violence survivors on the road to safety through its tools, including the Moving Ahead Through Financial Management curriculum that equips women with resources to regain their financial independence. To date, the Allstate Foundation has invested more than $50 million in life-changing financial education, asset-building, job training and readiness programs for survivors.  

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, empowering youth and celebrating the charitable community involvement of Allstate agency owners and employees, The Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people's lives. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.

¹ Center for Disease Control; National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2010 Report; p.2; http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/nisvs_report2010-a.pdf 
² Center for Financial Security; Measuring the Effects of Domestic Violence on Women's Financial Well Being; p.1; https://centerforfinancialsecurity.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/adams2011.pdf

Video - https://youtu.be/3XvbpYcgCrk  
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SOURCE The Allstate Foundation

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