I am a writer with an interest in the representation in literature of indirect/ secondary victims, with particular reference to those affected by a loved one having committed a sexual offence. Family members and associates of the person with a criminal record become what is known as ‘collateral damage’, and current processes neglect to identify these groups as worthy of recognition and support. They are ‘guilty by association’ and therefore sidelined by society. But are they also sidelined in literature?
I am on a mission to find and compile examples from literature conveying the experiences of this marginalized group, and to examine why there may be an absence of representation as such. I am also interested in literary fiction denoting the experience of families who have had the involvement of a social worker, and any fiction about online crimes and the wider social impact of these offences, as well as any fiction relating to the impact of media exposure on innocent family members in the fallout of a crime.
My wish to explore the aforementioned topics is borne of things I have encountered in my life, and in the lives of many people I have supported through voluntary work, and several people I have met and supported in the past three years, many of whom have become close personal friends. This interest is combined with a lifelong love of reading. I have a passionate belief that all groups should be represented in the books that we read, and that fiction should evoke discussion and debate around issues that are not always visible.
I also take a keen interest in online safety, the role of Big Tech in the facilitation of online harms, and I keep up to date with current political debates around this topic.
I have previously blogged and campaigned for change, and fought to raise awareness for the plight of forgotten families, as well as to highlight the lack of accountability for Big Tech, and how prevalent online harms have become as a result.
I have a degree in English (language & literature) and a postgraduate certificate in humanities (creative writing) & recently completed an MA (creative writing). I have a PhD proposal in mind, but having researched options, it is unaffordable to me at present to continue to study, as much as I would like to. I am a member of a writing group, comprised of MA Creative Writing alumni and I regularly read and feedback on fellow members work, as well as receiving feedback on my own work.
My writing career began in 2017 as a creator of short stories. I am in the process of writing my first novel, which will explore the experience of indirect/ secondary victims of online offences, in the context of the family of an offender, but also in a wider societal context, and how current responses to such crimes compound the distress, isolation, stigma and shame of innocent family members.
Ever since I was a child I have wanted to write a novel, and had never previously been captivated enough by a topic, nor had the confidence to write a novel-length work. The subject matter came into my life unexpectedly, in the manner of a tornado, leaving absolute devastation in its wake. I became consumed with finding a way to highlight the experience of indirect victims.
I believe that everyone has the potential to write, and I am interested in supporting indirect / secondary victims to reach their creative potential, and to express their journey through the medium of writing. In particular through prose fiction, but also through nonfiction. I have some ideas for future projects, which will be developed over time, so watch this space, and follow my blog for any updates.
I plan to use this blog to discuss writing, reading (fiction about indirect/secondary victims, online harms, social services and also general reading that I have found interesting or thought-provoking as well as reading for healing, including nonfiction). I hope that the blog will evolve and grow over time, will be enlightening, thought-provoking and helpful.
Please do get in touch if you have any suggestions or questions. It would be great to hear from you.
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