The Bra That Hugs

The Bra That Hugs Tags

Letter to Companies Asking for Donations

Hello, We are a group of students from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland and we are planning an event aimed to help battered women living in shelters in our area. The most needed items in women’s shelters are bras. We are planning an event, The Bra That Hugs, where we will collect donations of new and gently used bras. At the event, the women donating bras will fill out a tag with an uplifting message for the woman who will receive the bra. The second part of the project will be an event held at a women’s shelter in Baltimore City. This will be the distribution of the bras, where we will have the bras sorted by size and also have a sizing station for women who do not know their size.

We are looking for any and all donations including bras, funding, etc. Any corporate sponsors will be acknowledged at both events. If you are interested in donating, please respond to this email and we will give you more information about where to send donations. Again, even the smallest contribution is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

The Bra That Hugs Team

Sent to:

-Victoria's Secret

-Bali Intimates

-Soma Intimates

-Wonderbra

-Lingerie Lingerie

-Maidenform

-Bra La La

-Hanes

Advertising/Poster Design

Battered Women Research

National studies estimate that 3 to 4 million women are beaten each year in our country. A study conducted in 1995 found that 31% of women surveyed admitted to having been physically assaulted by a husband or boyfriend. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in our country, and the FBI estimates that a woman is beaten every 15 seconds. Thirty percent of female homicide victims are killed by partners or ex-partners and 1,500 women are murdered as a result of domestic violence each year in the United States.

Characteristics Of Victims

In all socio-economic, educational, racial and age groups.
50% of battered women report violence in family of origin.
Many report marrying young to escape violent homes.
Many, not all, witnessed some form of abuse as children or adults.
Low self-esteem. Question their right to have any better life than the one they presently have with violence.
Underestimate themselves and believe that they cannot do better on their own.
Feel powerless and believe they have no choices.
Hopeless and immobilized by the abuser taking control of the victim. Seem to lose the ability to make independent decisions and changes.
Depression, suicide, substance abuse, psychosomatic illnesses are all coping behaviors observed with victims.
Lack of trust due to a history of isolation and feelings of helplessness.
Chronic apprehension. Agitation and anxiety about routine decisions is frequent
Unable to relax, disturbed sleeping patterns. Always feel as if they are being guarded.
Peace keepers. Trying to keep the home calm, so the abuser isn’t triggered.
Take blame.
Feel guilty because they disturb neighbors, their children have problems, and their families get hurt and involved. Feel that they are responsible for the abusers actions.
Usually female.
Care givers. Desire to nurture, rescue, and take care of others.