A Launceston woman has been invited to speak on a panel about police procedures and sentencing for domestic abuse and sexual assault.

Jessica Harrington received the invitation following the publication of her book ‘The Girl in the Pink Shoes’, which she says recounts her own experiences of sexual assault at the hands of her stepfather, and the difficulties she says she had in her relationship with her mother, when it was all going on.

“My story never started as a book. Just before lockdown hit and we were told to stay at home, I decided to write about my childhood as a way of trying to make sense of what happened”, Jessica explained. “I can’t put into words how difficult it has been to write a book of this nature and the sleepless nights I’ve endured by reliving my past but the more I started writing, it made me realise that the system needs to change and I need to share this to help people in a similar situation.”

Jessica tells how after sharing the news of her book publication on Facebook, an advisor from Sussex Police reached out and invited her to a conference call to discuss the panel, which will take place in November.

Jessica, who is 23, said: “I hope that this panel will change laws and police procedures because currently sentencing is not justice.

“My stepdad got sentenced to seven years in prison but he ended up only serving three-and-a-half. Where is the justice in that?”

Jessica also plans to open her own charity, which will support victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, and create a safe space for them before going to court.

“People will be able to call at any time of the day to reach out for help and it will be completely confidential”, Jessica said.

“I also want to open up a centre with therapists, a sensory room, and animal therapy because studies have found that people sometimes feel more comfortable opening up to animals than they do to people.”

Jessica was inspired to start this charity because this was something that she felt was missing from her own experience in courts and proceedings.

‘The Girl in the Pink Shoes’ has received an “overwhelming” amount of support and Jessica has been praised for her “bravery” in sharing her story.

“I have received thousands of messages of people opening up to me about their own experiences with domestic abuse and sexual assault and I want to be able to help them”, Jessica explained.

“This subject is taboo and often gets brushed under the carpet, like a dirty secret!

“Something needs to change, the system is broken and so many other children are left to suffer at the hands of their abusers.”

‘The Girl in the Pink Shoes’ is available to purchase on Amazon and Kindle, and for more information about the book, visit ‘The Girl in the Pink Shoes’ on Facebook.