Words Can Describe

by Abi Grant (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2009

  $3.27

  'I woke with a start. The duvet was gone and there was a man on top of me. I shut my eyes. It took several peeks before I realized: this is happening'. Only 5 per cent of reported rapes in the UK result in a conviction. Only 20 per cent of rapes perpetrated in the UK are even reported. Sixteen years ago writer Abi Grant was attacked by a drug-addicted serial rapist, who'd broken into her flat in the early hours of the morning. She reported it but was told her attacker 'was not known to the police' and that was that. Fifteen violent minutes had changed her life. She lost everything: home, relationship, agent, money, career - even her dog. For eight years she floundered, unable to work and sinking further and further into depression and addiction. Gradually, she picked up the threads, rebuilt her life and resumed her career. Then twelve years after the attack, the Cold Case Unit came calling. 'We think we've got him', they said. This is her story - complete with dysfunctional family background, teen trauma and a gripping account of what going to court to try to get a rape conviction really means today, including a guide to the do's and don'ts of handling trauma victims and some candid (but well-researched) suggestions for improving conviction rates. It's all too easy for any one of us to slip through society's cracks, but Abi is a survivor; her unique voice - angry, hurt and often, surprisingly, funny - gives the lie to the old saw that words cannot describe terrible experiences. They can - and she does, with honesty, passion and a wonderfully dark wit.

• Used

  Paperback
  2010

  $3.27

  'It is unusual to be charmed and horrified by alternate sentences, but this is Abi Grant's gift as a writer ...I cried, I laughed and then I cheered!' Julian Clary Everything in Abi Grant's life changed the night a serial rapist broke into her flat and attacked her in her sleep. She fought back and the police were called, but despite a full investigation, they found nothing -- even Crimewatch couldn't help. Traumatized, she lost her job, then her flat. She took to drink. Her world fell apart. But the police didn't give up, and twelve years later -- after re-examining the evidence -- they found a fingerprint match . . Justice demanded that she go to trial to convict a violent criminal but, despite being a blameless victim, the extraordinary court battle that followed would change her life all over again. Words Can Describe is the tale of one woman's descent into despair, her journey back to hope, and the extraordinary people she met along the way. Abi's words -- often bitingly funny and always brutally honest -- tell her remarkably moving story in her own powerful voice. 'Vivid, frank and courageous ...Many women will be grateful to Abi Grant for telling the truth at, I imagine, some cost to herself' Joan Smith