entertainment

Kerry Washington has designed a purple handbag to raise funds for survivors of domestic violence.

Shut up and take our money.

Multi-talented Scandal star Kerry Washington has designed a handbag in conjunction with the Allstate Foundation’s Purple Purse campaign to raise funds for victims of domestic violence.

Washington partnered with Tommy Hilfiger’s wife, Dee Ocleppo, to design the purple clutch, which can be purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue for $350.

25% of the bag’s proceeds will be donated to the Purple Purse campaign, which creates support networks and provides financial security for those affected by domestic violence, particularly financial abuse.

As Washington explains, financial abuse is an oft-ignored form of domestic abuse. Not all abuse is physical: a carefully cultivated perception that the victim would be financially adrift without the abuser is a common tactic in domestic violence situations.

“The purse represents the centre of woman’s financial domain: everything that matters to you,” Washington said.

“Our campaign uses the purse as a symbol to educate people about domestic violence.”

Abusers often prevent victims from acquiring or maintaining private financial resources, ensuring the financial dependence of their victim and fostering a sense of helplessness. According to the Purple Purse website, 98% of domestic violence victims are subject to financial abuse.

Purple Purse aims to bring financial abuse out of the shadows so that victims can access the healing and support they deserve.

Kerry Washington and Dee Ocleppo debut this year’s signature purple purse.

The purse is the second designed by Washington, who is an ambassador for the Allstate Foundation and long-time supporter of the Purple Purse campaign.

If you’d like to find out more about the Purple Purse campaign, or to donate, you can visit their website.