Because You're A Woman

Wonderful time at the Swindon Literary festival!

Yesterday my interview with Hilda Schlon took place at the Arts Centre Swindon, as part of this year’s Literary Festival. Whilst feeling very nervous at the outset, I soon relaxed into the interview – greatly helped by Hilda’s enquiring mind and gentle questioning. A great plus was that she had read the book. During the interview I read two of the poems ‘Letter to Mummy’ (during which I found it difficult to hold back my own tears) and ‘New Baby’  - as a way to confirm my answers to her questions and perhaps explain more fully what my feelings were at the time.

‘Because you’re a Woman’ was the intended topic – how I came to write the book, what I had gained from writing it and what happens next! But once we had covered these questions the conversation moved onto childhood sexual abuse, the effects on families, why it happens, and how can we act to prevent it from happening. The audience were more than ready to ask questions and join in the discussion and it was apparent that women were approaching the subject from many different interest groups - teachers, family members, charity trustees, university students and some who were just intrigued and wanted to know more. I was delighted that the conversations and questions continued after the interview when they came with copies of the book to be signed.

I reiterated my belied that women can become a powerful force when they act together and that my hope is that ‘Because you’re a Woman’ will open up much needed new discussion on this subject. We have to break the taboo that still hangs around it and bring it into the public arena. Only that way will we provide more and better help to those suffering with the long term effects, and bring offenders to prosecution.

Hilda also gave me the opportunity to talk of my experience at the magical Lee  Abbey, and  to tell how in recent years my faith has been  ‘the icing on the cake’ of my road to healing. If you want to know more then read the book!

Thank you to Matt Holland’s team who made me feel very welcome and at ease beforehand, and to all of my friends who have prayed for me, and the interview.