Groundbreaking Australian book Shattered to Shining will be launched in Brisbane on Saturday, sharing deeply personal stories of tragedy and eventual triumph through the eyes of domestic violence survivors.
The book is the brainchild of local charity Broken to Brilliant, which aims to create a community of connection, support and mentorship amongst Australian domestic violence survivors.
Charity founder and survivor Kate Smith said, "the book provides hope to people at every step of their journey".
“We see strength and healing when people come together to move forward from their trauma, while also helping others find comfort and support in their time of need,” Ms Smith said.
“The importance of giving survivors a voice in this way cannot be overstated, especially when so many people have been shamed and silenced through domestic violence in the past.
“Building connections with others that have experienced similar hardship is a very powerful part of recovery.”
Shattered to Shining documents stories from nine female survivors and one male survivor, all of whom have experienced physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and/or financial control.
A Queensland woman *Jade said she found "the process of contributing her story both cathartic and deeply challenging".
“Writing down my story meant reliving the hardest years of my life,” *Jade said.
“But while the experience was incredibly confronting, the reward has been far greater than I could have ever imagined.”
The Shattered to Shining book launch will be held on Saturday 24 August from 5-7pm at The Roof Top, Terrace Wesley House, 140 Ann St, Brisbane. The event is now SOLD OUT.
Broken to Brilliant will donate copies of Shattered to Shining to domestic violence refuges to provide hope, courage, inspiration and direction to domestic violence survivors.
If your organisation supports domestic violence survivors and you would like a copy of the book donated email: contact@brokentobrilliant.org with your name, organisation and book request.