‘Scandal’ Premiere Star Kerry Washington: Domestic Violence Campaign 'Purple Purse' Launched

Kerry Washington announced her new domestic violence campaign, as the actress launched the Purple Purse program to help raise awareness on the issue. The Scandal star has teamed up with the Allstate Foundation, where they have designed special purple purses that will bring awareness to domestic violence and financial abuse, as well as direct women in need toward resources who are in those situations.

Launching officially on Oct. 1, the campaign will be releasing its limited edition handbag, which was designed by Dee Ocleppo, with the sales funding over 160 foundations in order to help women.

During an interview with Time, Washington talked about the campaign in more depth, speaking on what motivated her to be part of the movement.

“Financial abuse is the hidden weapon. We don’t necessarily see it the way you would see a black eye. But it is the number one reason women stay in abusive relationships. And even when they leave, it’s the number one reason why they go back. It’s very real in the lives of these women, whether it’s destroyed credit or losing a job or not being able to get to a job by losing transportation or access to cash,” she told the prestigious outlet.

 Here it is! The 2015 Allstate Foundation #PurplePurse I designed with @deeocleppo. This purse represents the center of a woman’s financial power and inspires women toward financial freedom. And this year the purse is available at @Saks! Proceeds from the sale of this purse will benefit domestic violence programs helping women nationwide. Learn more at PurplePurse.com #DomesticAbuse #FinancialAbuse #FinancialIndependence #PurplePurseAmbassador

A photo posted by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on Sep 25, 2015 at 1:21pm PDT

Washington was seen unveiling the clutch handbag during an appearance in New York City this past week, which she revealed will be sold at Saks Fifth Avenue stores. One quarter of the proceeds earned from the purse sales go towards multiple organizations that are fighting domestic abuse.

Last year, during another collaboration with Allstate, the actress raised over $2.5 million with the sales of a purse that she designed herself.

“What I’m so passionate about with this initiative is that it’s really about women taking their power back and saying this is a cultural phenomenon that one in four women will be abused in her lifetime, but there is something I can do about it,” she said of the experience.

One quarter of the proceeds earned from the purse sales go towards multiple organizations that are fighting domestic abuse. Last year, during another collaboration with Allstate, the actress raised over $2.5 million with the sales of a purse that she designed herself.

“What I’m so passionate about with this initiative is that it’s really about women taking their power back and saying this is a cultural phenomenon that one in four women will be abused in her lifetime, but there is something I can do about it,” she said of the experience.