When "Ugly Betty's" Ana Ortiz needed to take her character, Hilda, to a painful place last season, she knew exactly where to pull from.

Ortiz, 37, allowed herself to go back to when she was in her 20s and involved in a romantic relationship that turned physically abusive.

When Hilda's fiance was killed in a store robbery, she says, "I used some of that subconsciously. It's something that is always with me."

The actress is finally speaking out about her past and encouraging other women to, too, by partnering with Allstate Foundation's "Tell a Gal P.A.L." campaign. It encourages women to talk about domestic violence and teaches about the resources available to victims. The group kicked off a drive this week for purses to be donated to Dress for Success, which helps disadvantaged women acquire professional attire. Women also can enter into a drawing for a bag donated by Ortiz.

The actress is happy to be a symbol of getting past the violence. Her life now couldn't be better. She has been married to musician Noah Lebenzon for a little over a year, and "Ugly Betty" moved this summer from L.A. to her native New York for its third season. It premieres Thursday (ABC, 7 p.m.).

Shooting in New York has brought out a constant parade of fans. "Especially when we shoot in Queens," Ortiz says. "The families around the neighborhood, they bring lawn chairs and coolers and sit around and watch us shoot all day. It's so wonderful."

The show has been getting lots of attention because of guest star Lindsay Lohan, who Ortiz says is fitting right in. Lohan won't be the only familiar face gracing the set, though. "We've got such random and cool guest stars like Ralph Macchio coming through," Ortiz says.

Oh, and one more thing: Ortiz hopes viewers will see a lot of Hilda from the neck up; she's hoping to get pregnant.