In her first book - Please Stop! - Mary Downham recalls her early years, living with an alcoholic father, 5 siblings and a mother who was so weighed down by the family's situation, she was unable to see the horrific abuse her young daughter was suffering at the hands of other children and adults charged with her care.
For over 50 years, Mary kept her silence about the abuse she suffered; abuse which adversely impacted her functioning; development; and trust in others. Writing the book was a catalyst to recovery for Mary, who now lives a very different kind of life with her close and loving family.
Sharing her story has helped Mary grow in self-confidence and determination to encourage others who have also experienced abusive experiences, to speak out. She implores those readers who are still suffering and have stories to tell;
'In whatever form; in whatever way .... Spit it out!'
