Television Star Ana Ortiz and The Allstate Foundation Encourage Americans to "Tell A Gal P.A.L." About Domestic Violence

Here is something we can all do - donate a handbag or professional bag, get educated, and tell a friend! Our CAEPV members come up with great things their employees and the community can do to help!

To kick off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, TV star Ana Ortiz is partnering with The Allstate Foundation to encourage Americans to “Tell a Gal P.A.L.” about domestic violence and donate a purse.

As part of the “Tell a P.A.L.” campaign, Ms. Ortiz whom by her own personal experience with domestic violence, will open up her heart and closet to raise awareness of domestic violence and financial abuse. From September 22 through October 3, Ms. Ortiz and The Allstate Foundation encourage people to donate nearly new purses or professional bags. The donated purses will be given to the non-profit Dress for Success organization to help domestic violence survivors, or other women in need, get back on their feet and enter or re-enter the workforce with confidence. Ms. Ortiz will also donate her Onna Ehrlich purse to one lucky winner for telling gal pals about domestic violence.

Purse donations will be accepted at select Allstate agency locations across the nation. A list of donation locations is available at http://www.clicktoempower.org/. By visiting the Web site, people can find information and resources on domestic violence, as well as enter for a chance to win an Onna Ehrlich purse from Ms. Ortiz’s personal collection. Bonus entries to win Ms. Ortiz’s purse will be awarded for those who “Tell a Gal P.A.L.” through online messages to family and friends.

The “Tell a Gal P.A.L.” program focuses on purses as they serve as symbol of economic empowerment for women. Research from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows that women with financial skills are more likely to leave abusive situations and sustain themselves and their families on a long-term basis.

Through its “Pass It On, Act and Learn,” the “Tell a Gal P.A.L.” campaign creates awareness and starts an open dialogue about domestic violence and how economic empowerment can provide a path to a safe future. “Pass it On, Act and Learn” consists of the following important steps:

Pass It On— Spread the word to your gal pals that domestic violence touches all of us and it can happen to anyone. Let your gal pals know that financial abuse is part of domestic abuse. Talk freely about domestic violence to break down the taboo.

Act— Small acts make a big difference. Encourage your gal pals to actively plan for a secure financial future. Start a savings plan for emergencies or get a copy of your credit report.

Learn—Learn about the resources available to help yourself, or someone you know, out of an abusive situation. Take steps to protect your personal and financial safety whether you’re in an abusive relationship or not, and empower yourself.

For additional information, visit www.econempowerment.org.