We have recently updated two of our books on the subject of sexual abuse, Bob Tells All and Jenny Speaks Out. These are picture books made for people who find pictures easier to understand than words. They have been used primarily with adults with learning disabilities, but can also be used with young people and in a therapeutic settings as catalysts for safe sharing.
When we first wrote these books, people did not want to think about sexual abuse. It is a very painful thing to think about. People still do not want to think about it but there is more understanding of how it hurts men and women. The books are about sexual abuse or rape. One follows a woman called Jenny (Jenny Speaks Out) and the second tells a similar tale of a man called Bob (Bob Tells All). We think it is important that services are able to provide for people with a wide range of abilities, and throughout our 26 year history, we have worked hard to ensure that we are at the forefront of storytelling through pictures. We have a number of related titles in the Books Beyond Words series, which include I Can Get Through It, Supporting Victims, When Dad Hurts Mum and Finding a Safe Place from Abuse.
If you would like to get in touch or place an order for these books, simply visit our online store or email with your request. Alternatively read on and find out about all the aforementioned books.
“These books are there to help tell a story and put that story into pictures so that everybody can understand. I think that is why so wonderful that the series is called ‘Beyond Words’ because what people experience, what people suffer, in domestic violence is quite often beyond words" The Rt Hon. Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC (EDV Global Foundation / co-author)
Bob Tells All
Bob has moved to a group home, but his erratic behaviour and terrifying nightmares unsettle the other people living there. Sensitively, a social worker helps Bob unravel his painful past as a victim of sexual abuse. Bob discovers that talking with people he can trust begins a slow but positive healing process. Bob Tells All may enable a person with a learning disability or mental health problem, or someone who has English as a second language, to open up about their experience of sexual abuse. [order]
Jenny Speaks Out
Jenny feels unsettled when she moves into a new home in the community. Her carer and friends sensitively help Jenny to unravel her painful past as a victim of sexual abuse, and begin a slow but positive healing process. [order]
Finding a Safe Place from Abuse
Katie meets David and falls in love. She moves in with him, but the relationship turns difficult and dangerous when David begins to steal her money and hurt her physically. Katie quickly gets help through her GP. After a stay in a refuge, Katie begins a new life with a new sense of confidence. [order]
I Can Get Through It
This book tells the story of a woman whose life is suddenly disturbed by an act of abuse. It shows how with the help of friends and counselling, the memory of the abuse slowly fades. [order]
Supporting Victims
Polly is the victim of an assault. The book shows her experience as a witness at court, outlining the support and special measures that help her to give evidence. [order]
When Dad Hurts Mum
After her dad is violent towards her mum, Katie is sad and distracted at college. Her teacher supports the family to get the help of an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate and the police. Katie and her mum are kept safe. Katie’s dad is court-ordered to join a group to stop his abusive behaviour. [order]