Coalition to provide financial resources for survivors of domestic violence

The Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence received a $61,180 Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Moving Ahead grant to provide financial empowerment resources to domestic violence and financial abuse survivors across the state. In total, the grant will provide critical support to more than 300 survivors served by coalition partners Child Inc., People’s Place, and the YWCA of Delaware.

The DCADV is one of 25 state domestic violence coalitions across the country to receive a total of $1.25 million Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Moving Ahead grants this year. The funds will support their efforts to provide job training, matched-savings programs, low-interest loans, credit-building services and financial education to help domestic violence survivors prepare to break free and stay free from abusive relationships.

“Financial empowerment skills are vital to domestic violence victims as they progress on a path to safety. But we often don’t have the resources and funds to help the many survivors that need it,” said Sue Ryan, DCADV executive director. “The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Moving Ahead grant helps us provide critical resources for hundreds of survivors to enable them to achieve a better future. We’re grateful for the continued support as we continually look to expand our services, reach and impact.”

Since 2005, The Allstate Foundation has focused on ending domestic violence by creating public awareness of financial abuse, and providing funding and financial empowerment tools to nonprofits helping victims on their path to financial independence. The Purple Purse Moving Ahead curriculum teaches financial literacy skills including building credit, budgeting and financial goal setting. The lessons and training guides are available to download for free in English and Spanish on PurplePurse.com and espanol.PurplePurse.com. Delaware has benefited from this partnership since 2011.

“The controlling tactics used by abusers create a devastating ripple effect that makes it feel nearly impossible for a domestic violence victim to break free and rebuild their life,” said Ellen Lisak, Allstate Foundation senior program officer. “With critical services from domestic violence nonprofits and free tools like the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Moving Ahead curriculum, victims can find a more hopeful path away from abuse and toward a safe and secure future.”

For more information, go to www.dcadv.org or call 302-658-2958.

Someone who is in a domestic violence situation and needs assistance can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224. In Sussex County, call 302-422-8058, Abriendo Puertas at 302-745-9874, Child Inc. at 302-762-8989,  People’s Place at 302-422-8033, and YWCA of Delaware at 302-655-0039.