A unique collaboration is underway to raise awareness and educate the public about the various forms of domestic abuse and their impact.  The project features Lisa Connolly (pictured),  a qualified counsellor, recovery support worker and advocate for domestic violence survivors. 

Lisa has has written a book titled Built From Broken which is not just a collection of poetry—it is the culmination of a journey of survival, self-discovery, and empowerment.    

Lisa is joined by other local artists and survivors of domestic abuse including Scarlett Ward, founder of Fawn Press and the current  Staffordshire Poet Laureate.  

Lisa and Scarlett are part of an Arts Council England funded project in  Wolverhampton  called the 1in3 Project (It`s Our Right) which  is preparing to hold a 4 day exhibition between 4 - 7th November  in the Mander Centre plus  book launches and spoken word from survivors of domestic abuse at the Clarendon Hotel on 3rd November.  The aims of the 1in3 Project (It`s Our Right) are working toward realising women`s empowerment and gender equality including protecting the rights and improving the lives of women, girls and the LGBTQIA  Community.  

Project Manager Diyodi Devinda Menon said "We are called 1in3 because 1 in 3 women will experience gender based violence in their lifetime.  This equates to around 736 million who are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner."   

Nicole Jacobs, appointed in 2019 as the first Domestic Abuse Commissioner, has said that domestic abuse incidents account for 1 in 3 violent crimes recorded by police and a fifth of annual murders while 30% of people on probation are current or previous perpetrators of domestic abuse.   One woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex every 5 days in England and Wales according to the  charity Refuge.  The police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds.       

Lisa will be sharing her poetry with the Arts Council England supported project  1in3 at the Clarendon Hotel on 3rd November  with Poet Laureate Scarlett Ward in Wolverhampton before supporting the 1in3 project  with a 4 day exhibition in the Mander Centre.    

  "The 1in3 project is an inspiring initiative that brings together local artists and survivors to share powerful stories,  raising awareness about gender based violence" said Lisa Connolly.  "I invite everyone to join us at the Clarendon Hotel in Wolverhampton on November 3rd at 6pm to support this important  cause. During  the event I`ll be taking pre-orders for my book, officially launching my coaching and counselling practice, where I`ll also be offering coaching, counselling and sessions  focused  on  healing, resilience  and empowerment."      

Lisa Connolly`s  book, Built From Broken, is endorsed by no less than 7 former and current Poet Laureates including Freddie Barker, the current Worcestershire Poet Laureate and Scarlett Ward, the current Staffordshire Poet Laureate.  One of the poems from the book, Melodies of Goodbye, was turned into a song by musician Deon Morgan using a guitar, mandolin and ukulele and broadcast on Black Country Radio in solidarity with October`s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.   

Reviewing Lisa`s book, Scarlett Ward said:     

"In "Built From Broken" the poet masterfully captures the intricate dance of healing, self-care, and resilience. Each verse resonates with authenticity, revealing the profound connection between helping others and nurturing oneself. The collection radiates empowerment, encouraging readers to tap into their own inner strength and limitless potential. The imagery is vivid and uplifting, inviting us to bask in the light of our own capabilities. However these poems are not just a reflection of personal experiences; they serve as a guiding light for anyone on a path of healing. With its blend of hope and truth, "Built From Broken" inspires us all to embrace our journeys and remember that healing is a shared experience—one that brings us closer to understanding both ourselves and others. A truly inspiring read!"    

In the UK over 2 million women are estimated to be victims of male violence each year, an epidemic that the government and police chiefs have branded a "national emergency".  According to figures published by the National Police Chiefs` Council in July, at least one in 12 women in England and Wales  will be a victim of crimes including stalking, harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence each year.     However - this may be an underestimate because even the report states "We know much crime goes unreported and in policing we often only see the tip of the iceberg."