2018 Purple Purse Challenge: Economic Empowerment for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Money is an invisible weapon used in 99% of domestic violence cases. It’s why many victims can’t “just leave”: they literally can’t afford to. Abusers use financial abuse to control victims by preventing access to money or other financial resources. Financial abuse can happen to anyone. It’s not based on income, education or level of independence. And it’s not always easy to know if you are in a financially abusive relationship.
Financial abuse often begins small and progresses over time. It might include:
- Controlling how money is spent
- Withholding money or “giving an allowance”
- Withholding basic living resources, medication or food
- Not allowing a partner to work or earn money
- Stealing a partner’s identity, money, credit or property
Financial abuse is like other forms of abuse — it aims to gain power and control. But financial empowerment can help survivors break free and stay free. Casa Myrna’s Self-Sufficiency Program helps survivors Please donate today to help make sure all survivors have the economic stability they need to get and stay safe. We’re proud to partner with the Allstate Foundation and Serena Williams
Resources
- Call SafeLink at 877-785-2020: SafeLink is a resource for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. Are you worried about someone or have questions about abuse? Do you recognize warning signs of an unhealthy relationship? Do you need help or support? Call us. We’re available 24/7/365 in multiple languages.
- Purple Purse Brochure: Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is committed to bringing domestic violence and financial abuse out of the shadows by educating family, friends and colleagues of victims. The following downloadable PDF brochure outlines key statistics, signs of abuse and how to start the conversation with someone in need.
- Moving Ahead: A Financial Empowerment Curriculum: Survivors of domestic violence face serious challenges. Many struggle to find a safe place to live and put food on the table. Others struggle to find and hold a job. Protecting one’s money and other assets can also be a challenge. This online Purple Purse Moving Ahead Curriculum can help.
- Blog post by our Economic Stability Specialist Esteban Pepin: Abusers do their best to make their victims think they’re powerless, hopeless, and helpless people who are not capable of getting by on their own. In reality, survivors must have enormous strength and ingenuity just to get by every day in abusive situations. The daily struggle to survive often overwhelms their original goals and dreams. Even after abuse ends, survivors often struggle to imagine they can have a better future. They rarely realize how much they already know and can do.
- How to Talk to Someone Experiencing Abuse: As a friend, family member or co-worker of someone in an abusive relationship, it’s easy to feel powerless. But you can do your part by starting a conversation, offering support and suggesting ways to get help. Here are some tips to get the discussion going.
