The latest Office for National Statistics figures (2022/23) show that one in three victims of domestic abuse are male equating to 751,000 men (3.2%) and 1.38 million women (5.7%). From this, 483,000 men and 964,000 women are victims of partner abuse.
Please read on for Jade’s story…
NOW YOU SEE ME…
NOW YOU DON’T
Further help and information regarding Domestic Violence and Abuse can be found below.
NOW YOU SEE ME…
5.0 out of 5 stars Soul-Stirring Precision
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 March 2024
In Emma L Beal’s gripping psychological thriller, “Now You See Me”, readers are drawn into the agonising world of domestic violence and coercive control. Through the eyes of Jade Locke, Beal masterfully explores the chilling dynamics of an abusive relationship, painting a painfully accurate portrayal of the insidious cycle of suffering and betrayal.
What begins as an innocent night out with friends quickly spirals into a nightmare for Jade as she becomes captured by the manipulation of Eric Sawyer. Despite the warning signs and growing realisation that something is deeply wrong, Jade finds herself trapped by the illusion of love, unable to break free from Eric’s sinister grip.
As the abuse intensifies – manifesting in sexual, physical, mental, and emotional torment – Jade’s struggle becomes increasingly desperate. With soul-stirring precision, Beal exposes the raw vulnerability of a woman torn between believing in love and the chilling reality of her own captivity. As Jade’s world shatters around her, she undertakes a heart-wrenching journey of survival, navigating the treacherous waters of fear, betrayal and, ultimately hope.
“Now You See Me” is a riveting testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder of the dangers that lurk behind closed doors, and a powerful call to action against the pervasive affliction of domestic violence.
…………………………………………..
Note: I would also like to mention the magnificently written scenes of Yorkshire, including some wonderful history of areas local to myself. Beal’s attention to detail captures the beauty of Yorkshire, enriching the reading experience with a sense of depth and authenticity.
……………………………………………
Final Note:
Ticket Assistant Lady – you have my heart. Her presence serves as a reminder that amidst life’s trials, there are still moments of grace and humanity to be found.
NOW YOU DON’T
5.0 out of 5 stars A Force To Be Reckoned With
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 March 2024
In “Now You Don’t,” Emma L. Beal delivers a compelling continuation of Jade Locke’s journey, diving deep into the aftermath of domestic violence and the enduring grasp of PTSD.
Jade Locke, now physically free from the clutches of her abuser, Eric Sawyer, remains ensnared by the shadows of her past. Beal paints a vivid portrait of Jade’s internal turmoil, capturing the raw intensity of her PTSD-induced nightmares and the ever-present fear that threatens to consume her. Through Jade’s eyes, readers are drawn into a world fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, where every moment is tinged with the looming torment of danger.
As Jade contends with her past and the threat of exposure, the narrative intensifies with the arrival of cryptic letters. Each missive, originating from an
unknown sender privy to Jade’s darkest secrets plunges her into a state of paranoia. Constantly on edge, Jade navigates her surroundings with fear growing with every passing moment.
In conclusion, “Now You Don’t” is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will leave a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned. With its unflinching portrayal of the complexities of domestic violence and the lingering scars it leaves behind, “Now You Don’t”
is a powerful testament to the strength of the soul. Emma L. Beal has once again proven herself a force to be reckoned with in the realm of psychological fiction, and I eagerly await the final book in this gripping series.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE / ABUSE
(Information taken from: Office for National Statistics)
- The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated that 2.1 million people aged 16 years and over (1.4 million women and 751,000 men) experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023.
- There were 51,288 domestic abuse-related prosecutions in England and Wales for the year ending March 2023, compared with 53,207 in the year ending March 2022.
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence and can include a range of abusive behaviours. It can also be experienced as repeated patterns of abusive behaviour to maintain power and control in a relationship. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as any incident or pattern of incidents between those aged 16 years and over who:
- are a partner
- are an ex-partner
- are a relative
- have, or there has been a time when they each have had, a parental relationship in relation to the same child
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 outlines the following behaviours as abuse:
- physical or sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic abuse
- psychological, emotional, or other abuse
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children under the age of 18 years who see, or hear, or experience the effects of the abuse, as a victim of domestic abuse if they are related or have a parental relationship to the adult victim or perpetrator of the abuse.
- The National Domestic Abuse Helpline was contacted 171,490 times in the year ending March 2023; a decrease of 10.7% compared with the year ending March 2022.
- New data from Respect Men’s Advice Line for the year ending March 2023 show they were contacted 39,417 times via calls, emails and webchats, while the Respect Phoneline for perpetrators of domestic abuse were contacted 8,955 times.
LEEDS WOMEN’S AID
(24 hr helpline: 0113 246 0401)
(Online chat available: Mon – Fri – 1pm – 4pm)
The UK government’s definition of ‘Domestic Violence and Abuse (DV & A ) is “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional.”
Any person can experience DV & A regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, sexuality, class, disability or lifestyle. DV & A can include physical and sexual assault and Honour Based Violence, as well as emotional, psychological, financial abuse, stalking, controlling and coercive behaviour and Forced Marriage.
RECOGNISING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & ABUSE
(Information taken from: Leeds Women’s Aid website)
Destructive criticism and verbal abuse: This may include shouting, mocking, accusing, name calling and threatening.
Pressure tactics: This may include sulking, threatening to withhold money, disconnect the telephone, take the car away, commit suicide, take the children away, report you to welfare agencies unless you comply with his demands regarding bringing up the children, lying to your friends and family about you and telling you that you have no choice in any decisions.
Disrespect: This may include persistently putting you down in front of other people, not listening or responding when you talk, interrupting your telephone calls, taking money from your purse without asking and refusing to help with childcare or housework.
Breaking trust: This may include lying to you, withholding information from you, being jealous, having other relationships and breaking promises or shared agreements.
Isolation: This may include monitoring or blocking your telephone calls, telling you where you can and cannot go and preventing you from seeing friends and relatives.
Denial: This may include saying that the abuse doesn’t happen, saying you caused the abusive behaviour, being gentle and patient in public, crying and begging for forgiveness and saying it will never happen again.
Stalking and Harassment: This may include following you, checking up on you, opening your mail, checking to see who has telephoned you and embarrassing you in public.
Threats: This may include making angry gestures, using physical size to intimidate, shouting you down, destroying your possessions, breaking things, punching walls, wielding a knife or a gun and threatening to kill or harm you and the children.
Sexual violence: This may include using force, threats or intimidation to make you perform sexual acts, having sex with you when you don’t want to have sex and any degrading treatment based on your sexual orientation.
Physical violence: This may include punching, slapping, hitting, biting, pinching, kicking, pulling hair out, pushing, shoving, burning or strangling.
HELPING MEN ESCAPE DOMESTIC ABUSE
(Information taken from: ManKind Initiative)
Domestic Violence and Domestic Abuse – is not just about physical abuse – it also includes emotional and psychological, coercive control and isolating people.
Most men do not believe or feel they are a victim until sometime after they no longer have control of their life and have become isolated. One survivor said they felt they were being ‘groomed’. Remember though you are not to blame, you are not weak and you are not alone. There is help available and you (and your children) can escape.
HELP AND ADVICE
Leeds Women’s Aid:
https://leedswomensaid.co.uk/
24 hr helpline: 0113 246 0401
Online chat available: Mon – Fri – 1pm – 4pm
ManKind Initiative:
https://mankind.org.uk/
Freephone: 0808 8001170
Helpline: 01823 334244
Nobody should ever feel alone. They should never feel like this is the life they have to live.
Help is out there, and it’s tough to reach out and ask for that help, it’s really bloody tough, but you can do it. You can.
Emma L Beal 