Today we are spotlighting a book that addresses a serious issue: sexual assault. Author Jennifer Anne Davis has written a book chronicling a girl's abduction and assault:
During her abduction and assault, Audrey begins to hear a voice. She hopes she's not going crazy, because after what she's experienced, that's the most logical explanation. However, as she begins to listen to the voice, Audrey realizes that someone may be telepathically trying to help her.Unfortunately, rescue isn't all she needs. In order to leave behind the constant reminders, she flees to her Aunt Kate's house in San Diego, and assumes a new identity. It works until the eighteen-year-old twin boys who live next door threaten to break through the protective walls she's worked so hard to build.
Between Caleb going out of his way to befriend her and Justin avoiding her at all costs, Audrey doesn't know if normalcy will ever find her again. But one thing is certain: When a familiar danger resurfaces, it's the same voice that she turns to -- a voice that is not only real, but a lot closer than she realizes.
Gripping and tastefully told, The Voice is a story of healing, trust, and courage.
Title: The Voice
Author: Jennifer Anne Davis
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
As a special treat, Jennifer has done a guest post for us addressing this very sensitive issue! So let's hear what she has to say!
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). It’s an issue that many people want to stay clear of because it’s repulsive to read or talk about. But the fact of the matter is, it’s something that happens even if we choose to ignore it. It’s reported that one in four girls is sexually assaulted by the time they’re eighteen—and that’s just what’s reported. Police believe the statistics are much higher. One in four. To me, that’s astounding.
As a mother of three, the thought of something like this happening to one of my children is unimaginable. Yet, I feel like it is something I need to be aware of and address with my kids. Even though they’re young, we discuss what constitutes inappropriate behavior. How no one is allowed to see or touch them. How to say NO. It makes me sad to live in a world where this is necessary. But ignorance is not the answer. Ignorance will only lead to tragedy. As a parent, it is my duty to discuss sexual abuse with my children and to help protect them. Education on the matter is the first step.
Sexual assault is something that is very real and prevalent in our society. Lately, there’ve been several cases in the news that have literally stopped me dead in my tracks, making me ill. Fifteen-year-old Audrie Pott hanged herself eight days after allegedly being sexually battered while passed out at a party and then humiliated by online photos of the assault. The three teen boys who committed this atrocious act have been arrested. Then there’s the infamous Steubenville sexual assault case, in which a girl was passed out drunk and sexually assaulted. The teen boys were arrested and convicted for their atrocious acts. And let’s not forget Rehtaeh Parsons, a seventeen-year-old Canadian teen who committed suicide. She was allegedly raped by four teen boys when she was only fifteen. The incident took place at a gathering where alcohol was said to have played a role. The boys took pictures of the sexual assault and circulated the pictures to their friends. Audrie Pott’s parents want tougher legislation on cyber bullying and they’re seeking to have adolescents who commit sexual assault crimes be tried as adults.
It makes me unbelievably sad to think that Audrie and Rehtaeh felt the need to take their lives because of these heinous crimes. And not only were they sexually assaulted, but that their attackers took pictures and circulated the crimes is deplorable and disgusting. To violate these girls in such a way and then to brag about it? I have no words.
So what can we do to help? Talk to your children. Let them know help is available. If your teen is at a party and witnesses something like this, tell them to stand up. Call the police. Stop the assault. If your child is a victim, they have to know that help is out there. They are not alone. First and foremost these girls need to feel like we’re on their side—all of us. Not just their parents and friends, but the entire community. No means no (especially if one is unconscious).
Please visit http://www.rainn.org/ to read articles about how to talk to your children, make a donation, or seek help if you or someone you know is a victim.
Help is available. 
Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she married her high school sweetheart, worked as a legal assistant, and taught high school English. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids' creativity.
Thanks so much, Jennifer, for stopping by and giving us this very important information!
To bring more awareness to this topic, International Girls YA Book Club is holding a contest. So skip on over to the page and check it out (click the link below):
Yay! This book really is amazing! I read it in one night. It had me hook line and sinker from the first page until the last! It is a must read for everyone!
ReplyDeleteI saw this book a while ago on another blog and kept meaning to add it to my wishlist. Surprise, surprise....I forgot! Thanks, Brooke :D
ReplyDeleteI added to my wish list!
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