Eastwood charity worker hopes first book will help thousands of women

One in Four Women is the first book by Sandra Reddish, who gained her knowledge of men’s abuse of women over 34 years as an outreach worker, most recently at Eastwood-based charity Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP).

In the self-published book, Sandra shares her knowledge of the vital steps to recovery for women who have been abused.

Sandra said: “Because domestic abuse is intended to confuse, understanding patterns of abuse can be hugely validating and liberating for survivors.

“I have personally seen the relief women felt and the progress they made when they properly understood what had happened to them, which is why I wrote this book.”

With chapters on coercive control, physical abuse, isolation, sexual abuse in intimate relationships, and self-blame, the book builds on Sandra’s popular blogs which have reached international audiences.

In the book’s introduction, Sandra acknowledges that domestic abuse spans all ages, sexes, culture and social classes.

It also takes many forms, including men’s abuse of women, women’s abuse of men, abuse in same sex relationships, abuse of parents by their adult children, abuse by carers and honour-based abuse.

“The knowledge and advice I wanted to share with readers comes from my specific experience of men’s abuse of women where there is or has been an intimate relationship,” added Sandra.

“I wrote it for women, or professionals helping women to recover from domestic abuse and go on to live happy and empowered lives, free from abuse.”

In a bid to help as many people as possible, Sandra has also decided to donate all proceeds from the first year of sales directly to Broxtowe Women’s Project.

The charity’s CEO Colette Byrne said: “We are unbelievably proud of Sandra who has put her passion for raising awareness of domestic abuse and her writing talent together to create this incredible book.

“It will help people to understand their experiences, and the tactics of abusers.

“With knowledge, comes power. I’m confident that this book, with its powerful and enlightening messages and insight, will empower women worldwide to take the action that they need to lead safe, independent lives without abuse.

“We would also like to thank her for very much for kindly donating all proceeds of sales for the first year. She knows better than anyone how essential donations are for us, and that we will maximise every penny.”

Throughout the pages are powerful images created by Sandra’s daughters, who also wanted to contribute to the book.

To buy the book, visit www.broxtowewomensproject.org.uk/book or on Amazon here.