On 3 November 2009, Sherry Lee’s life changed forever.

Her husband set fire to their family home while Sherry and their two young children were still inside.

As flames spread through the house, her seven-year-old son screamed beside her and her five-year-old daughter cried out from beyond the heat.

Her husband’s chilling words, “Till death do us part”, became etched into her memory.

Now, in her deeply personal memoir, Harder to Breathe, Sherry shares what happened that night and the years of fear, control and emotional devastation that led to it.

Her story is one shared by thousands of Australian women who carry the invisible wounds of domestic violence, the pressure to keep a family together and the difficult journey of finding themselves once they break free.

“I want people to understand that what happens behind closed doors is not always what it appears to be from the outside,” Sherry says.

“For a long time, I hid what was happening in my own life because I was embarrassed and worried about what people would think. I hope sharing my story helps other women realise they are not alone.”

Her husband was sentenced to eight years behind bars for three counts of attempted murder, arson and wilful damage, but was released after serving just four.

“A lot of people thought once he was in jail and the kids and I had a new place to stay, we could just carry on with life,” Sherry says.

“The reality is that domestic and family violence extends far beyond the physical injuries that may be visible to others and takes many years of support to get through. The three of us still carry trauma from that night and while we can manage it better now, it will always be with us.”

Through Harder to Breathe, Sherry hopes to challenge the silence and judgement that surround abuse, encourage families and communities to take warning signs seriously and remind women experiencing violence that support is available.

Her story also explores what happens after the immediate danger has passed: the effort to raise children, rebuild confidence and create a life no longer defined by fear.

Harder to Breathe will be launched on the 30th of November at the Northern Grounds, 46 David Low Way Diddillibah, 4558 with Ash from 91.1 Hot FM

What: Harder to Breathe book launch
When: Monday, November 30 , 5.30pm

Where: Northern Grounds, The Lodge room, 46 David Low Way, Diddillibah.

Tickets: $5 with 100% being donated to The Red Heart Movement

Contact the host of Harder to Breathe book launch

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