DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONVERSATION

IT’S TIME TO TALK: MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF AMERICANS HAVE NEVER DISCUSSED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
New Allstate Foundation Campaign Sparks Conversation During Domestic Violence Awareness Month;
New National Symbol and Website Decoy Make Starting the Conversation Easier
Northbrook, Ill., OCT. 10, 2011 – Even though domestic violence affects one in four women in their lifetime, more than one-third of Americans have never discussed the issue with a friend or family member. And, three out of five believe that it is a difficult issue to discuss. This October, The Allstate Foundation and the YWCA are joining forces to break the silence and raise awareness about domestic violence by launching a new campaign designed to spur conversation and make it easier to talk about the issue. Based on The Allstate’s Foundation long-term commitment to helping empower women economically to end domestic violence, the campaign encourages individuals to spread the story of the Purple Purse – the Foundation’s new national symbol for domestic violence. “Physical abuse is the type of domestic violence most commonly discussed, but what many people don’t realize is that economic abuse, using finances as a tool of power and control, happens just as frequently,” said Patricia Garza, Director of Strategic Philanthropy. “We are rallying people behind the Purple Purse because it stands for economic empowerment and represents the center of a woman’s financial domain. It’s also designed to make it easier to talk about the issue.” To spread the message about the power of the Purple Purse, The Allstate Foundation is recently launched www.PurplePurse.com. The website appears to be an online shopping magazine, but after scrolling down the page, the user will find a variety of information and resources specific to the issue of domestic violence and financial empowerment. The website serves as tool to raise awareness and provides a safe and informative place for women to educate themselves. PurplePurse.com will also enable women to start a discussion about domestic violence. It’s Time Talk About the Purple Purse/page 2 “We’ve found that many women are scared to talk about the issue of domestic violence,” said Patricia Garza. “Our partnership with The Allstate Foundation to launch PurplePurse.com provides women an unexpected opportunity to start a discussion about domestic violence so they can learn how to protect themselves and help others.” To kick-off the campaign, The Allstate Foundation and YWCA, along with top bloggers, are organizing TweetUps in nine cities across the country. These events are designed to explain the story behind the Purple Purse, share information about the issue and encourage individuals to help spread the word about the campaign. TweetUp attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from a domestic violence survivor at each event. As an additional incentive to inspire more people to get involved, The Allstate Foundation will donate $100 for each TweetUp attendee, up to $10,000 at each event, totaling a $90,000 contribution to the YWCA. The events are planned nine cities across the country, including Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, El Paso, Texas, Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle, and Tucson, Ariz. Individuals across the country are encouraged to participate in the campaign and show their support by carrying a purple purse or bag throughout October, posting their favorite purple purse pics to PurplePurse.com and downloading the Purple Purse widget also available on the website. This widget is a dynamic resource that makes it easy to share Purple Purse content through websites and social media channels. It is designed to ensure that more people in need will be able to get information that can help. Each year, The Allstate Foundation contributes more than $3 million in grants and programming to support economic empowerment for survivors and to help end domestic violence. Visit www.PurplePurse.com and www.ClickToEmpower.com to learn more. ### 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 teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org. About YWCAThe YWCA USA is one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the nation with the mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. In the U.S., the YWCA serves over 2 million women, girls and their families each year. Globally, the YWCA USA is a member of the World YWCA, which has affiliates in 122 countries that serve 25 million women and girls worldwide.


***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Informational post only.