"As a victim it's important to understand that you are not to blame for the abuse, nor should you feel ashamed. The shame lies solely with the abuser."
This is a book about the courage, resilience and determination of a woman who was stalked, suffered horrendous physical and emotional domestic abuse and had to fight for custody of her children when she was at her most vulnerable. Zoe Dronfield is an extraordinary woman whose super power really is what she calls 'strength in adversity'.
At every turn, Zoe's horrific suffering was exacerbated by the police and judicial system that failed the victims of stalking and domestic abuse. Somehow she found the strength not only to survive, and keep her family together, but to relentlessly challenge the system whenever she found it to be unfair and to campaign with others to bring about vital changes in the law so that others would not have to suffer the same injustices. She used her experience to educate those who should already have been aware of the ignorant, damaging policies and practices that were being pursued. Thanks to her advocacy and her tireless campaigning, stalking laws were introduced and then strengthened, the Domestic Abuse Act has brought about many vital changes and, for the first time, there is a national strategy for the policing of women and girls which puts victims first.
This book is not only about Zoe's journey, it is a mine of invaluable information and advice. It should not only be read by all those who work with victims of domestic abuse but also by those who are still suffering at the hands of an abuser. Where the courts are concerned, her advice is clear: be prepared, be organised and understand the process.
We don't all have Zoe's inexhaustible inner strength but we can all learn from her experience.
Baroness Jan Royall, Principal, Somerville College, Oxford University
This is a powerful account of how a woman found herself in the middle of an abusive relationship; how she came back from the brink of death, and how she stepped up to fight the system. Zoe's story will help so many women.
Victoria Derbyshire, journalist and broadcaster
A searingly honest, harrowing and eye-opening account of male violence and abuse and how the system re-victimizes women at every turn. Zoe is a warrior and an inspiration. Read this book - it might just save a life.
Laura Richards, Producer 'The Crime Analyst' Podcast, Founder, Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service and criminal behavioural analyst, formerly of New Scotland Yard
This is a terrifying account of how a strong confident woman was groomed into an abusive relationship and how agencies designed to help repeatedly let her down. This should be compulsory reading for all those involved in the criminal justice and family law system and should shame them into change. Many people would not believe that what happened to Zoe was possible in modern Britain which is why I would urge everyone to read this jaw dropping account of a nightmare that never ends - even to this day.
Rachel Horman-Brown, Head of Family & Director - Watson Ramsbottom, and Chair of Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service
