Brand Story
Shades Against Domestic Violence
At SunLuv LLC, we believe in fashion with a purpose. Every pair of our luxury sunglasses supports victims of domestic violence, raising both awareness and funds through our Shades Against Domestic Violence campaign. A portion of each sale contributes to local and national organizations providing essential services to those affected by domestic violence.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already critical issue of domestic violence, with cases spiking globally. Domestic violence programs and shelters are struggling with reduced funding, resources, and staff. Stable funding is crucial to keep these programs running, allowing them to answer calls, provide shelter, and offer vital services to victims seeking safety.
The decrease in federal, state, and private funding threatens the stability of services for victims, leading to:
- Reduced access to domestic violence programs and services.
- Closure of shelters due to lack of funding.
- Limited assistance for victims in obtaining protection orders, crisis intervention, counseling, sexual assault services, hospital-based advocacy, and help with civil legal matters.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), domestic violence rates remain high three years post-pandemic. Budget cuts, such as those in the District of Columbia's 2023 budget, could jeopardize the existence of small organizations serving survivors.
Join us in our mission to shade domestic violence. Your purchase helps provide crucial support to those in need.
About The Founder
Survivor
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A person who survives, a person, who copes well with difficulties in their life
“Guess what? You are a domestic violence survivor.” That was an inner dialogue I had with myself one afternoon in the quietness of my home. My ego was the first to defend my upper middle class, Southern breed yet DC girl persona! “NO, you’re not! You just made some awful choices in men. Your exes were hard-working and “loving” men who experienced challenging up-bringing and were dealing with these issues as adults. They were the product of their environments. All they needed was my strong and committed love to quiet their restless souls.”
I can’t possibly be a “victim” of domestic violence. I wasn’t raised that way. The women in my family (my role models) were and are loving, giving, resilient, beautiful, and strong. No men beat them up physically, emotionally, and mentally. That’s me! That is who I am! No more discussion!
Then one morning my bathroom mirror showed me something else: something different and someone different! No more denial….
I saw her!! I saw a beautiful woman who is a survivor of domestic violence. I saw a woman, just like the women in my family, who is loving, giving, resilient, beautiful, strong and A Domestic Violence Survivor! No more discussion!!!
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That special moment defined my journey and decision to use my talents to support the Domestic Violence community. I was one of the lucky survivors who had a tribe of family surrounding me after I left my abuser. They surrounded me in a cocoon of love, support and mostly importantly, SAFETY…. My son and I did not have to move into a shelter. I had the financial support for counseling, an attorney, legal issues and fees as well as anything else I needed to keep me and my son safe and protected.
Many women (and men - often not included even though statistics reflect it is on the rise) don’t have support when making the decision to leave their abuser.
I love, love, love my sunglasses and my sunglass collection. I want to use my love for fashion and my brand to give financial support to domestic violence organizations.
Hence-
The Birth of Shades Against Domestic Violence