Kerry Washington Reveals That 'Financial Abuse' Is Why Women Stay In Domestic Violence Relationships [VIDEO]

Scandal star Kerry Washington is speaking out against domestic violence, and revealed that one main reason that women stay in abusive relationships is financial abuse.

"It's the reason why so many people stay," Washington said during her interview with the Huffington Post. "I think people just aren't as aware of financial abuse. If a woman isn't even aware of the dynamics of financial abuse - what it looks like, what it is - she may not even know that that's part of the tools being used to control her and manipulate her and keep her trapped. When there is more information around it, people can begin to identify it and then get the help they need."

The new mom, wife of an athlete, and Scandal actress appears in a PSA for Allstate's Purple Purse initiative, which reveals more issues regarding domestic abuse.

"One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence," Kerry explains in the PSA. "Finances are almost always a weapon of choice. Taking away access to cash to strain credit, jeopardizing jobs. Financial abuse leaves invisible bruises that can take decades to heal."

Domestic violence is a subject that Scandal has added in past episodes, and will further investigate in the upcoming season through character Abbey Whelan.

"We've actually been told that this season is going to be a really strong season for Abby's character," Kerry shared. "I wonder if we'll get to see more of how that dynamic played between them as friends, as Olivia stepped in to help get her out of that relationship," Kerry said. "I'm very curious to see how that plays out."