Hey Kerry Washington, here's why we have your purse

Financial abuse is the number one reason women don't leave abusive relationships, according to YWCA Dayton.

The organization — the only domestic violence shelter and crisis hotline in  Montgomery and Preble counties— could win up to $100,000 as a result. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

YWCA Dayton is one of 191 organizations given a purple purse designed by Washington as part of Allstate Foundation’s Purple Purse Challenge for domestic violence awareness.

HOW IT WORKS
The YWCA Dayton's #PassThePurseDYT campaign will have a woman each day through Oct. 28 spread awareness about domestic violence and the challenge.

Dayton.com's own Amelia Robinson is among those who have volunteered to carry the purse.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
YWCA is raising funds online at www.ywcadayton.org/purplepurse. Click HERE to donate.

The top five fundraisers in each division will receive an additional grant, up to $100,000 from Allstate.

DATES TO KEEP IN MIND:

Purple Paws: Preble Pets Against Domestic Violence
WHEN: 11 to noon, Saturday, Oct. 8 
WHERE: YWCA Dayton Preble County Office (Rear Courtyard), 225 N. Barron St., Eaton
INFO: For the first time, YWCA Dayton will host a signature fundraising event for its Preble County Office. YW has operated the only DV shelter in Preble County since 2004, and opened a formal business office in Eaton, Ohio, earlier this year. Purple Paws is an outdoor event for everyone in the family – even Fido. Activities include a Critter Costume Contest and Pet Parade. Registration available at http://bit.ly/PurplePaws16. Rain date: Oct. 29.

YWomen Breakfast
WHEN: 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday Oct. 11.  Doors open 7:30 a.m.
WHERE: Schuster Center's Wintergarden, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
INFO: YWCA Dayton will recognize the strength and resilience of domestic violence survivors at our annual YWomen Breakfast, a special fundraising event that will also announce and honor the 2016 recipient of the Marsha Froelich Survivor Award. Registration is available at http://bit.ly/ywbreakfast16.

YWCA Dayton is one of 191 organizations given a purple purse designed by Washington as part of Allstate Foundation’s Purple Purse Challenge for domestic violence awareness. Dani Szempruch. Photo by Amelia Robinson

Reporter Ellesse Rodriguez contributed to this report.