One cannot minimise for even a moment the strength it takes to leave an abusive situation and the continued unbreakable spirit to tell the story that is sadly far too common – abuse from a domestic partner. Deborah Thomson tells her experiences through journal entries meticulously kept over the years and does this with heart, sincerity, dignity and empathy for her own experiences and for others who face such a shocking reality. Throughout Whose Life is it Anyway? the addition of referenced studies and current and relevant information/resources is absolutely invaluable for literally everyone – for those who experience or have experienced domestic violence/abuse, those who know someone who is at risk of and for anyone to keep an ear and eye out for the hallmark signs of abuse for the safety of themselves and others.
The launch of Whose Life is it Anyway? had the likes of Australian politicians like Steve Martin (an independent Senator for Tasmania) who are invested in the causes and resources for helping victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse, beloved family members who can only be proud of how strong and self-confident she is and the public which surely were intrigued by Deborah’s story that left a little more aware of a crisis that many people face every day and armed with information to help where they can.
[Deborah Thomson signing copies of her book in Burnie, Tasmania]
[Steve Martin, an independent Senator for Tasmania, was in attendance for the launch of Whose ‘Life is it Anyway?’]
[Left to right: Deborah’s partner, her mum, herself and her daughter Kelly – who also incidentally is the artist behind the painting featured on the cover of ‘Whose Life is it Anyway?’]
ISBN: 9780648150862
If you or anyone you care about is at risk or would like to reach out for information/support, below are phone numbers you can contact:
000 – If your life is in immediate danger
1800 RESPECT (1800737732) – National Domestic Violence Hotline 24-hour support
131 114 – Lifeline 24-hour support
131 450 – Translating Service
1300 789 978 – Mensline Australia
1800 551 800 – Kids Help Line
1800 880 052 – National Disability Abuse Hotline
1300 364 777 – Relationships Australia support groups
Thank you Brolga for your valuable assistance with publication of this book, Mark Zocchi for attending the book launch in Tasmania, Elly Cridland for editing of this book and Brolga’s continued efforts to promote Whose Life Is It Anyway? The Tasmanian governor has read the book and said that it is a valuable resource for domestic violence services and as such she has distributed copies to services throughout Tasmania. The Salvation Army has also procured multiple copies for distribution to their refuges. I am very grateful to all involved with the birth of my book and to those currently buying the book to raise awareness of what is a national crisis in our country; family violence.