While working for the Ministry of Education in Zimbabwe, as an educational psychologist, it became apparent to me that many children who were referred for learning difficulties were in fact hiding deeper problems. One of these being violence in the home. It was with this in mind, that the department undertook a research among secondary school children. The results were sadly shocking. This is the point at which I stopped being a school psychologist and began working in violence against children and women. So, I began work with a nongovernmental organisation called the Child and Law Project. This was my work for almost a decade before I moved to the UK.
The project mobilised professionals to draw up an action plan to firstly, make the system where children report abuse conducive and accessible to children and their families. This included child friendly services at police stations, clinics, courts, and schools. However, we realised that prevention was equally, if not more important. So began an intense nationwide program to train professionals on issues related to sexual and physical violence. Especially important if children are to be believed and not judged. Our second level of intervention was awareness among children and communities. Considered a priority to empower children with information. One of our tools for the communities was an amazing drama group that would perform a short play on violence spontaneously, at markets, in the middle of a busy shopping centre, a busy bus terminal. The response was incredibly good, but the stories told to the counsellor who travelled with them soul destroying. The third level we developed was the research and legal reform area. Basically, were the laws in place adequate to protect children.
These professional experiences motivated me to write a novel. It was not easy as I thought it would be. Writing novels are so different to writing research reports and psychological assessments. Secondly, there was the painful task of going through case histories. Not easy and it took me a few years. I also did an online course on writing a novel and I was on my way. It took me five years, to get to the point where I was happy with my manuscript. It was so important to me to honour all the women and children I have met in my life wounded physically and mentally by violence in the home.
I love movies, Turkish dramas, knitting, reading and music. I am so lucky to have a wonderful family.
I hope you enjoy reading Sun on your Back. I would love to hear from you.
