Survivor Stories at Curve NY: Lingerie Heals Victims of Domestic Abuse

By ELLEN LEWIS

In 2024, Lingerie Briefs launched a new column: Survivor Stories. Our Mission: to prove how lingerie empowers survivors of domestic violence and abuse as they find freedom from debilitating lifestyles. These are the tales told to us by women (and sometimes men) who have suffered in silence from a plethora of controlling behaviors, both physical and emotional, perpetrated by significant family members. Recently, the opportunity presented itself when I was contacted by the photographer, Jacob Miller, founder of Purple Strong. Purple Strong is an art project celebrating domestic violence survivors through photography and video.

Lingerie is the tool used in Jacob’s photography to elevate each subject’s sense of self. It has gifted multitudes of women with a newfound confidence. Having had a personal experience with domestic abuse, this cause is near and dear to his heart.

We are also working in tandem with Heidi Morrison, owner of Heidi’s Leather and Lace Boutique in Chicago, Illinois. Heidi, a survivor herself, is a fierce advocate for this cause working tirelessly to bring this issue to the forefront. Her determination to elevate awareness is unstoppable.

Survivors highlighted in our column have overcome significant childhood trauma and abusive relationships. Some are victims of sexual abuse; some have suffered physical trauma. Others have been beaten down by verbal denigration. From them we have heard about emotional abuse, marital rape, threatening behavior and the debasing that keeps women in these circumstances. Research has proven that it takes an average of 7 tries to leave a relationship because of conditioning, financial control, and the isolation from support. Because they have been so debased, they do not believe that they deserve the right to feel good about themselves.

Through Jacob’s lens, survivors reconnect with themselves and their strength. Most of his clients are over 40, many living with PTSD. Each shows remarkable courage in sharing their story. Time and again, these survivors tell us how wearing beautiful lingerie has become part of their healing journey, helping them reclaim their bodies and worth. Their powerful message: “I deserve to feel beautiful.”

This year, CurveNY joins Lingerie Briefs and Purple Strong to spotlight this critical issue. The shocking reality is that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Our showcase will feature Jacob’s powerful photography and a series of survivor interviews. Attendees can support this vital work through donations to The Domestic Violence Awareness Project. Join us at the Lingerie Briefs X Purple Strong Survivor Stories exhibit at CurveNY to learn more and be part of the change.

See More Stories in the Survivor Stories Column on Lingerie Briefs