A traumatic and unputdownable memoir detailing the pain and torment that has made up Diane Clarke’s life thus far, Daughter of a Murderer makes enlightening reading for those working or studying in the field of domestic abuse, policing, children’s services, healthcare specialists and more.
Brutally honest and detailing the consequences of her father killing her mother – including years of abuse that followed and battling with PTSD, guilt and shame – this resilient and brave woman has spent most of her working life supporting domestic abuse victims or in child support.
Diane Clarke, author:
“My experiences as a child, and of living with my father after he served 18 months for manslaughter, were very traumatic and were recently mentioned in a debate in Parliament by MP Ellie Reeves to support the introduction of Jade’s Law to suspend parental rights of those convicted of murdering their child’s other parent. Jade’s Law is something I fully support, and it is a move in the right direction to recognise children as victims in their own right, under the Domestic Violence Act.”
Fully supportive of Jade’s Law, which will see the Victims and Prisoners Bill amended so parents who kill a partner or ex-partner with whom they have children will automatically have their parental responsibility suspended upon sentencing, Diane Clarke’s decision to go public with her disturbing story isn’t about looking for sympathy; but is driven by a determination to ensure no other child should suffer a similar fate.
Diane Clarke, author:
“In Italy, children are awarded special orphan status [when one parent murders the other], they are given, free healthcare, mentoring and advocacy, they are also given compensation and their inheritance. The children in the UK are often left with bereaved families or are taken into to care and are wrongly assessed as being okay. The long-term study of the effects of such experience shows how this impacts on their health, academic achievements, and future relationships; making early intervention after a domestic homicide or suicide due to domestic abuse is very important.”
How does a domestic homicide impact on a child? What is it like in the aftermath, when a child’s mother is killed, and their father is responsible?
Daughter of a Murderer delves into the life of a forgotten victim of crime. It gives a true account of how Diane’s whole life was affected; her needs were ignored, and her human rights were violated. She battles with PTSD, abandonment, guilt and shame. She is desperate for love and suffers physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse. Her story highlights the need to support children who have been traumatised by this type of adverse childhood experience.
The proceeds from all sales are to be donated to the start-up of a unique organisation, CatchU.
Diane Clarke, author:
“The biggest issue is being silenced in shame for something that is not their fault and having the real fear that if you do speak out, you too could be killed. My book has also been read by Queen Camilla and she wishes me the best with CatchU; and she is particularly empathetic about the support needs for children bereaved by domestic abuse.”
Independently published, Daughter of a Murderer is available in paperback (ISBN No: 979-8393986469) priced £10.00 and Kindle format (£3.70) on Amazon.
