Laramie, Wyo. (Oct. 20, 2015) — The Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (WCADVSA) is participating in this year’s Purple Purse Challenge which is sponsored by the Allstate Foundation. The University of Wyoming Athletics Department wants to also show its support for this year’s challenge by spreading the word to its fans in hopes that they may help the WCADVSA reach its goal of raising $15,000 in the month of October.
The focus of the Purple Purse Challenge is to “Make the Invisible Visible”. One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime, and 98% are trapped by an invisible weapon — financial abuse. People wishing to contribute may go to the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault at: http://www.wyomingdvsa.org/ and click on the Purple Purse Challenge. Donations will be accepted through Oct. 27.
Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is a public awareness and fundraising campaign aimed at creating long-term safety and security for survivors through financial empowerment. Making the invisible visible and bringing financial abuse out of the shadows so victims can get the healing and support they deserve. The program ignites fundraising for hundreds of national, state and local domestic violence organizations. Funds raised will support life-changing financial empowerment services to help domestic violence survivors build safer lives for themselves and their families. The Allstate Foundation has propelled more than 580,000 victims on the path to safety and security, and has have invested more than $43 million to empower women to break free from abuse.
Since 1987, the WCADVSA has served as the leading voice on sexual and domestic violence in Wyoming. The WCADVSA’s professional staff brings a range of backgrounds and experiences to the Coalition. Many staff have prior experiences providing direct services, developing primary prevention initiatives, representing victims, training medical and criminal justice professionals, developing curricula, and influencing public policy. All these experiences add depth to the expert advice provided to the many advocates and professionals who call the WCADVSA for assistance with complex issues.
A year ago in October of 2014, UW Athletics showed its support by participating in the Silent Witness Walk that was held in Laramie. Members of the Cowboy Football team, Cowboy Basketball team, UW Spirit Squad, coaches and staff walked to show their support for the victims of domestic violence.
The walk is conducted in a different Wyoming community each year. This year’s walk was held in Worland, Wyo., on Oct. 3.
University of Wyoming Athletics Director Tom Burman had this to say about Wyoming Athletics support for this year’s challenge, “We feel this is a very worthy cause. Last year, we had several of our student-athletes, coaches and staff participate in the Silent Witness Walk when it was held here in Laramie. This year we want to continue to show our support by encouraging our fans to consider how they might be able to assist this outstanding organization.”
Wyoming Athletics has also taken a stand against sexual violence by producing a video each of the past two years to increase awareness of this important issue.
*Photographed: UW Silent Witness
Photo Credit: University of Wyoming