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.''