AUTHORS from Northern Ireland who have experienced sexual violence are to speak about how writing helped them as a form of therapy following their trauma.
The distinguished panel of local and international authors are to speak about their experiences as part of an online discussion hosted by Nexus, Northern Ireland’s specialist sexual counselling charity.
Among those due to take part are Belfast-based playwright Jo Egan, Coleraine writer Hilary McCollum and poet Shelley Tracey, who moved to Northern Ireland from South Africa more than 25 years ago.
Each will take part in a conversation with author and activist Winnie M Li.
Ms Li, who is originally from New Jersey in the US, was 29 when she was raped in Colin Glen Forest Park in west Belfast during a visit to the city in April 2008.
Edward Connors, who was just 15, was later convicted of the attack.
In the aftermath of what happened, Ms Li bravely spoke out about her trauma and has since used her experience to highlight the rights of victims.
In 2017 she penned a novel, Dark Chapter, based on her experience in a bid "to overcome trauma and heal".
Ms Li will now host the online Nexus discussion with fellow authors who have experienced their own trauma.
The free-to-attend event, on Thursday, May 20, is part of a collaboration between Nexus and Clear Lines, the UK’s first-ever festival dedicated to addressing sexual assault, abuse, and consent, through the arts and discussion.
Brenda Kelly, Chief Executive of Nexus said: "Writers are uniquely placed to illuminate the psychological landscape behind these serious sexual crimes and their aftermath.
"The journey and experience of authoring one’s own narrative can be different for each individual," she said.
"This free-to-attend honest discussion will be of interest to victims and survivors, advocates against sexual violence, as well as writers and avid readers".
Ms Li said it "means a great deal to me, to continue widening the conversation around sexual violence and abuse in Northern Ireland.
"I’m looking forward to speaking to these three committed women writers, whose literary talent and life experiences testify to the importance of writing in confronting these crimes," she said.
***Anyone wishing to register for the event can do so at nexusni.org/literary-event.
