Scars Across Humanity

My new book will be published on November 25th to coincide with the UN Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Violence  Against Women. I shall be giving the title and heading quote for each chapter every day for the next two weeks.

Here, meanwhile are some of the generous commendations:

‘Powerful and absorbing, Scars Across Humanity painstakingly documents the gross injustices facing women around the world. Some of the stories made headlines, many passed unnoticed and too many occurred much closer to home than we might realize. Elaine has done us a great service in not only describing what is happening, but also seeking to understand why it happens – and what needs to be done to tackle this worldwide problem. This is not an easy book to read, but it is a necessary book. I hope the stories she shares and facts she brings before us will encourage us all to pray – and to join in the work of bringing healing and an end to gender-based violence.’

Jackie Harris, Editor, Woman Alive

‘This is a courageous and a terrifying book. We all know that acts of violence against women are a problem, but never have we realized the scale of the problem is so huge. Where others would be cautious to speak out for fear of offending the sensibilities of other cultures, Elaine Storkey is clear and fearless, inspired by true compassion. Scrupulously researched and documented, illustrated with both statistics and personal stories, this is a book that changes perceptions and could play a substantive role in achieving change.’

Margaret Hebblethwaite Sante Fe, Paraguay

‘Elaine Storkey’s book is well researched and deeply moving. She captures most vividly for her readers the way in which patriarchy, religious and cultural traditions, complications in the law, lack of education (not always) and isolation can combine and lead to women being abused, being permanently disfigured or their untimely death. This violation of the human rights of girls and women is indeed a “deep scar” across humanity. The collusion that perpetuates the deepening of this scar will only cease when there is true respect given to girls and women in societies throughout our world. Reading this book can be the first step to breaking that collusion.’

The Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons

‘This is a timely book, emerging as the world awakes, too slowly, to the problem of violence against women and girls. Elaine Storkey examines this issue through her characteristic twin lenses of clarity of thought and kindness of heart, carefully building up a mosaic of facts, figures and testimonies of those who have suffered in many different settings. I challenge anyone to read this book and emerge unchanged.’

Baroness Maeve Sherlock, House of Lords