Kerry Washington credits play for abuse prevention

Kerry Washington credits 'The Vagina Monologues' for inspiring her to become part of the movement to end domestic violence.
The 'Scandal' star has designed a bag for the Allstate Foundation that carries a message of hope for women suffering from domestic and financial abuse, and admits it breaks her heart that there is a need for her to campaign against the issue.
She said: "I actually fell into this work as an artist. Back in 2000 I had just finished filming 'Save the Last Dance,' and my friend and co-star Julia Stiles invited me to watch her in Eve Ensler's play 'The Vagina Monologues'. I was so moved by all these stories of women's identity, value and worth. After that I became part of the movement to end violence against women."
The 37-year-old star didn't hesitate to say yes when she was approached by the foundation to create her own purse.
She added to PEOPLE magazine: "When the Allstate Foundation approached me about designing a bag for their Purple Purse program, I thought, 'This is an issue I care about, and I also care about a good handbag, so I'm in!' Purple is the signature colour for domestic violence awareness, and a purse is where a woman's financial well-being lives. This bag represents taking back your purse strings in the face of abuse.
"One in four women will face domestic abuse in her lifetime. My heart breaks a little that there's even a need for this work."