The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program: Frequently
Asked Questions
What is The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program?
Domestic violence is a pervasive, often overlooked social
crisis. 1 out of every 4 women will experience domestic violence
during their lifetimes.[1] In
2005, the Allstate Foundation developed a signature program to help
survivors achieve safety and economic stability for themselves and
their families. Financial security is the number one predictor of
whether or not a victim of domestic violence will get free and stay
free from abuse.[2] The Allstate
Foundation Domestic Violence Program provides comprehensive
programming to empower domestic violence survivors with the
resources, knowledge and skills they need to achieve financial
security.
As the corporate foundation of a financial services company, The
Allstate Foundation has unique expertise and resources to provide
economic empowerment options to survivors of domestic violence. In
collaboration with the National Network to End Domestic Violence,
Inc. (NNEDV), The Allstate Foundation connects survivors and
advocates of domestic violence to financial skills and knowledge.
NNEDV is a social change organization committed to ending domestic
violence by working with advocacy coalitions nationwide. With
NNEDV, The Allstate Foundation is working to make our communities
safer and more vital.
Why is The Allstate Foundation taking leadership on the issue
of domestic violence?
The Allstate Foundation is committed to helping all members of
society feel protected and prepared for their futures. Over 1.35
million American women and their children access domestic violence
services each year.[3] The
Allstate Foundation believes that targeted resources to end
domestic violence will affect the long-term social change that is
crucial to building safe, vital communities.
Financial security is the number one predictor of whether or not
a victim of domestic violence will get free and stay free from
abuse. Yet, few programs focus their efforts on survivors of
economic abuse and issues of financial stability for survivors. The
Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program aims to fill this
gap. No other corporation is working with both survivors and
advocates to address these economic constraints. The program
provides knowledge and skills to connect survivors to resources
that will help them be safer and more financially secure.
What are the key components of The Allstate Foundation Domestic
Violence Program?
Through its Domestic Violence Program, The Allstate Foundation
is a catalyst for social change within our local communities. The
program provides a holistic network of financial and personal
empowerment services. In collaboration with NNEDV, The Allstate
Foundation Domestic Violence Program focuses on enabling domestic
violence survivors to transition to more stable and financially
secure lives through:
- Direct services. The Allstate Foundation
provides support through the Moving Ahead Through Financial
Management Curriculum and training materials; community
volunteerism by Allstate employees, agents and agency staff; and
grant programs that allow service providers to address the complex,
broad and often immediate range of survivors' needs.
- Thought leadership. The Allstate Foundation
supports domestic violence advocates and service providers through
national conferences and research. And, The Foundation promotes
understanding and support of the issue among lawmakers on a
national and local level.
- Public awareness. Through social media and
celebrity partnerships, The Allstate Foundation is working to raise
public awareness and change societal attitudes about domestic
violence and economic abuse.
How large is the financial commitment that The Allstate
Foundation is making to its Domestic Violence Program?
The Allstate Foundation has established an ongoing multi-million
dollar commitment to address domestic violence issues. Since 2005,
The Allstate Foundation has awarded over $15 million to support
domestic violence survivors and the nonprofits that serve them. In
2009, The Allstate Foundation committed more than $4 million in
total domestic violence funding - including $700,000 to support
development, distribution, and implementation of the Moving
Ahead Through Financial Management Curriculum.
Who is eligible to receive funding from The Allstate Foundation
Domestic Violence Program?
The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program continually
evaluates how it can best provide support to those affected by
abuse. It currently offers funding to national, state and local
organizations. To date, funding has been provided to a diverse and
varied group of nonprofits including state domestic violence
coalitions, job training organizations, social service agencies,
legal advocacy groups, and local domestic violence service
providers.. Local funding is provided through The Allstate
Foundation in Allstate's 13 regional offices and Allstate New
Jersey. As new funding opportunities become available, The Allstate
Foundation Domestic Violence Program will announce the criteria and
priorities for specific grants. For more information regarding
grant availability and eligibility, contact Madeline
Halperin-Robinson at 847.402.7586 or mhalp@allstate.com
What is The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program
Moving Ahead Through Financial Management Curriculum Grant
Program?
A key component of The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence
Program is its Moving Ahead Curriculum. The curriculum is a
comprehensive package. It provides financial tools and information
designed to (1) empower victims ClickToEmpower.org of domestic
violence to achieve economic self-sufficiency, and (2) educate and
train advocates and Allstate volunteers to work with domestic
violence victims as they move forward on the path to financial
security.
The curriculum includes approaches for locating and accessing
local, state and national personal safety and financial resources.
To address safety concerns, information on how individuals can
protect themselves personally and financially while remaining in an
abusive relationship and after leaving an abusive relationship is
also included. In addition, the curriculum provides tools to help
people of all incomes and earning power work toward long-term
economic empowerment. Finally, the curriculum provides strategies
for safety including:
- Addressing the challenges of ending a financial relationship
with an abusive partner.
- Accessing economic empowerment resources used nationwide,
including individual development accounts, micro-enterprise
development programs and emergency assistance funds.
- Dealing with the misuse of financial records.
- Working through the challenges of building or rebuilding
credit.
What is the Moving Ahead Direct Assistance Fund?
The Moving Ahead Direct Assistance Fund helps survivors of
domestic violence access education and job training opportunities.
It provides individual grants to individual survivors of up to
$1,000 to help with the costs of tuition, school supplies, books,
public transportation and other expenses that allow them to finish
school, secure and keep a job, and support their families. The
Moving Ahead Direct Assistance Fund supports career-advancement
activities such as professional licenses, workforce tools and
additional job training. Domestic violence service providers may
apply for grants on behalf of survivors. The Allstate Foundation
has contributed over $1.5 million to the fund since its launch in
June of 2006.
What is The Allstate Foundation National Poll on Domestic
Violence?
The Allstate Foundation conducted The National Poll on Domestic
Violence in order to better understand the national crisis and
learn more about how Americans view the issue. In addition, results
help determine the resources and tools needed to best assist in
economically financially victims.
The 2009 Allstate Foundation National Poll on Domestic Violence
conducted explores domestic violence, its impact on survivors, and
general public understanding of economic abuse as it relates to
domestic violence:
- 8 out of 10 Americans link the term "economic abuse" to Wall
Street woes or irresponsible spending.
- 71% of Americans know people who are or have been victims of
domestic violence. However, nearly 70% do not connect domestic
violence and economic abuse.
- 67% of respondents had not heard of the term "economic abuse"
prior to taking the survey.
- 86% of Americans do not associate economic abuse with domestic
violence.
- 77% associate economic abuse as corporate greed or
irresponsible personal spending.
- Only 14% of respondents defined economic abuse as a spouse or
partner controlling money to maintain power in a relationship.
The majority of Americans report that the biggest barrier to
leaving an abusive relationship is financial stability.
- 44% of respondents ranked having enough money to support
oneself as the most difficult barrier to leaving an abusive
relationship.
- 52% agreed that the main reason a person stays in a violent
relationship is because they do not have the money to leave.
Most Americans believe the current economic downturn has
especially hurt victims of domestic violence.
- 76% of Americans believe the poor economy has made it more
difficult for victims of domestic violence.
- 66% believe it has caused an increase in domestic
violence.
For full survey results, visit ClickToEmpower.org.
How is The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program
different from other domestic violence programs?
The Allstate Foundation holds great respect for the many
outstanding advocates, political, business and philanthropic
leaders who have worked so hard to support and improve the lives of
survivors of domestic violence. The Allstate Foundation Domestic
Violence Program works to contribute to this national effort.
Allstate protects millions of people from life's uncertainties and
helps them prepare for the future. The Allstate Foundation Domestic
Violence Program leverages the commitment of Allstate employees and
their collective financial expertise and resources to get victims
and survivors on the path to economic security..
What is The Allstate Foundation?
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent,
charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The
Allstate Corporation. Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor
community initiatives to promote safe and vital communities;
tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. The
Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every
individual and in helping America's families achieve their American
dream. For additional information, visit
www.allstate.com/foundation.
What is the National Network to End Domestic Violence,
Inc.?
In 2005, The Allstate Foundation joined with the National
Network to End Domestic Violence Inc. (NNEDV) and their membership
of state domestic violence coalitions to provide a comprehensive
network of resources and direct services to help economically
empower survivors of domestic violence. NNEDV is a leading voice
for domestic violence victims and their allies. Its members include
the 56 state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence.
It works closely with them to understand the needs of domestic
violence victims, survivors, and service providers. NNEDV has been
a premiere national organization advancing the movement against
domestic violence for the past 15 years, after leading efforts
among domestic violence experts and survivors in urging Congress to
pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994. To learn more
about NNEDV, visit nnedv.org.
Is there a website I can visit for more information?
To learn more about The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence
Program, visit ClickToEmpower.org.
Who can I contact for more information about The Allstate
Foundation Domestic Violence Program?
To learn more about The Allstate Foundation, visit
allstate.com/foundation. For more information on The Allstate
Foundation Domestic Violence Program, visit ClickToEmpower.org or
contact:
The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program:
For general information:
Kyle Donash
847.402.7893
kdonb@allstate.com
|
For information regarding grant
availability:
Madeline Halperin-Robinson
847.402.7586
mhalp@allstate.com |
If you are a survivor of domestic violence or are currently
experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National
Domestic Violence Hotline to receive support and discuss your
options at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TYY).