Kerry Washington hosted the Allstate Foundation's Purple Purse Program in New York City earlier this week, and walked the red carpet with her very own purple purse. The actress designed a handbag to symbolically represent financial freedom to victims of domestic violence and financial abuse.
“One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence,” Kerry says in a PSA for the cause. “Finances are almost always a weapon of choice. Taking away access to cash, destroying credit, jeopardizing jobs; financial abuse leaves invisible bruises that can take decades to heal.”
The actress explains that the purple purse is a metaphor. Purple is a colour that represents domestic violence awareness and, while it is a fashion accessory, Washington says it serves as a source of power for women.
"The purple purse is really a symbol for the economic strength of a woman to be able to take her purse strings back and take care of herself and her family. So it's really exciting because it's bringing attention around financial abuse," Washington said.
The purse itself is a large, square clutch with a side handle and tasseled zipper closure. The gold hardware and mixed texture make it an eye-popper. Only 500 of the purses will be made, and the proceeds will be going towards the initiative. Some of the purses will be given to celebrities to wear on the red carpet to help raise awareness and some will be given to domestic abuse survivors.
