Scandal actress Kerry Washington has been announced as an ambassador for the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse initiative to raise awareness about the role that financial abuse plays in domestic violence.

Washington will design a purple bag that represents both a woman's finances and domestic abuse awareness, and has filmed a public service announcement. Washington commented 'Financial control is almost always a weapon of choice for abusers because when a victim's access to cash is taken away or her credit is destroyed or even her employment is jeopardised, it becomes nearly impossible for her to leave'.