Books@Stones event: Some Justice by Cathy Byrne

Join us on Saturday 29 August (2pm) for a special book launch event with Dr Cathy Byrne for her memoir Some Justice: A memoir of seeking truth and finding freedom. Cathy will be joined in-conversation by local author Edwina Shaw and Carol Ronken, Director of Bravehearts.

‘Urgent, raw and truly compelling. Essential to understand the harm that child sexual abuse causes … mitigated only by the courage and resilience of survivors.’ — Michael Bradley (Grace Tame’s lawyer).

'A powerfully written, compelling and important story of survival, chronicling the emotional, social and ethical challenges of navigating the justice system.' — Chris Champion, Editor, Forty South Tasmania

'A compelling story of abuse and trauma that shows the resilience of the human spirit. Byrne’s consummate writing style had me walking beside her, savouring every word. Courageous and inspiring.' — Gay M. Liddington, author, Will I ever be who I am? - from broken to brave

"Sharing a story like this takes extraordinary courage. By speaking openly about the realities of child sexual abuse, this book challenges silence, reminds survivors that they are not alone, and reinforces one of the most important messages we can offer: we believe you, and there is hope." - Carol Ronken, Director of Research, Bravehearts

Millions of women avoid pursuing justice. This true story sheds light on why.

At 53, Cathy Byrne reported to police that in the 1980s, she was groomed and sexually abused by a teacher from the age of 13.

The fallout was devastating. Byrne’s visceral, deeply immersive account details the intense mental and emotional stress of processing long-repressed trauma while also navigating family and community backlash and the exhausting victim-work imposed by the justice system.

This rare insider story illuminates the challenges survivors face in a culture still confused about consent, the rights of children and the pervasiveness of rape myths. It reveals what happens when innocence is broken, when support systems fail. It shows the courage needed and the changes required for victim-survivors to get some justice, and to realise that fear is a trap that only hope can dissolve.

An intense, beautifully written memoir from Dr Cathy Byrne about her experience of seeking at least 'some' justice after being groomed and sexually abused by a teacher when she was in school in NSW.

Proceeds from every book sold at the launch will go directly to Bravehearts.

About the Author (and special guest speakers):

Dr Cathy Byrne lives in Tasmania and is an author, academic and social justice advocate. She has written for The Conversation and various academic journals. She has presented on various radio and TV news shows and at the NSW ParliamentaryInquiry into Ethics in Primary Schools. Her first book, Religion in Secular Education: what in heaven’s name are we teaching our children?, was published by Brill in 2013. She is known for her advocacy on children’s rights and her support of women in surfing.

Edwina Shaw is a Queensland writer and editor of fiction, memoir and screenplays. Her recent release, Dear Madman, is a true crime memoir examining the truth behind a family tragedy. Her first novel, Thrill Seekers based on her brother’s battle with schizophrenia, was shortlisted for the 2012 NSW Premier’s Awards. In 2020, in response to the pandemic she published A Guide Through Grief - First Aid for Your Heart and Soul. Edwina is passionate about the healing power of story and has worked helping survivors of childhood trauma to reclaim their power through writing. Visit Edwina's website.

Carol Ronken leads the research program at Bravehearts, where she drives evidence-informed research, policy and legislative reform to strengthen the prevention of, and response to, child sexual abuse. Appointed in 2003, she is deeply committed to ensuring that research translates into meaningful change, with a particular passion for elevating the voices and lived experiences of victims and survivors to inform policy, practice and community action. Carol is an active contributor to initiatives focused on child protection and prevention. She is a member of several expert working groups, including the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation Research Working Group, the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children Australia Safer AI for Children Coalition, the Stopping Gender Violence Advisory Board, and the Australian Child Rights Taskforce. In addition to her role at Bravehearts, Carol is an Honorary Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University and serves as Chair of the Board for PartnerSpeak.

Bravehearts is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. Through a coordinated and evidence-based approach, Bravehearts provides specialist counselling and support services for children, families and survivors, delivers personal safety education and child protection training, undertakes research, and advocates for policy and legislative reform to strengthen child protection across Australia. Its vision is a world where children are protected from sexual abuse through informed communities and effective systems. Visit www.bravehearts.org.au

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All our events are free to attend, but bookings are required as seats are limited.