A while ago, I had the pleasure of reading Jennifer Gilmour’s debut novel Isolation Junction and she visited the blog to discuss her novel and her work as an advocate against domestic abuse. Today she is here again with an update and the news #AbuseTalk Forum on Twitter is now open.
#AbuseTalk Forum is NOW OPEN!!!
Click here for up to date information today’s virtual opening event for the #AbuseTalk Forum.
Hi, I am Jennifer Gilmour and I am an advocate for women in abusive relationships, I am an author and a mum of three. I have personally experienced domestic abuse and wanted to bring awareness to what happens behind closed doors.
A bit about my journey:
My debut novel, ‘Isolation Junction’ was published in 2016 which follows the story of Rose who is trying to flee her abusive partner. The book is based on true events of my own and has been fictionalised.
Since this publication, I have continued to be an advocate for those in abusive relationships through my blog posts, radio interviews, and Twitter feed.
My second publication was released in October 2017; I put together stories told to me by survivors of domestic abuse. In this way, I hope to give a voice to their experiences and to raise awareness of the types of unacceptable behaviour which fall into the category of domestic abuse. Thankfully the law has changed to incorporate this kind of insidious behaviour but still, far too many people are trapped, isolated and afraid or unaware of how to escape. I hope that this anthology will give them the courage to take that first step and will raise awareness for those who can help them.
I opened #AbuseTalk in October in 2017 and haven’t looked back, its opened many doors, its connected many people, its supported lots of individuals and it has created a community.
I was a finalist for Inspirational Mum Award in the BizMums Awards 2017.
I started writing for Coercive Control Chat Magazine (CCChat Magazine) in October 2017, I have my own column for #AbuseTalk and an Online Book Club with a difference.
In May 2018 I won Most Informative Blog 2018 in the Blogger Bash Awards, something I am most thrilled about.
Why have I opened a forum?
I have always felt a forum was needed but couldn’t find its place and so I decided a Twitter Chat was the direction to go. After a few months of hosting #AbuseTalk, I realised that tweeting was great but it wasn’t for those who don’t want to publicly discuss domestic abuse. It is also restrictive with the character limitations. Thats when I realised that a forum can work alongside the Twitter Chat and offering a register only forum.
I am also delighted to have the forum sponsored by a solicitor which will be announced in the grand opening, our solicitor has agreed to answer questions within the forum on their own thread ‘Ask a solicitor’. This is priceless, to have the opportunity to ask a solicitor when perhaps someone may not have had the ability to do so.
How do I access the new forum?
You can head there right now… www.jennifergilmour.com/community
PLEASE NOTE: You will only see the news and updates forum until you are registered, once you are registered you will see the main Abuse Talk Forum appear with all the topics and discussions.
Who is the forum for?
Anyone! Anyone with an interest or passion surrounding domestic abuse.
It can also be for those in the sector like charities, organisations, advocates, bloggers, businesses and more.
Or it can be individuals that want to help, offer guidance, who have gone through abuse or are going through it now.
How much does it cost to be a member?
Its FREE! All you have to do is register at: https://jennifergilmour.com/AbuseTalkForum/?wpforo=signup
There will be a VIP Membership area but that is opening later on, updates will be given and this will be just £10 a year with a bag full of offers, discounts and more. This is you really need that extra security and community.
Sign up for notification of this service here: http://eepurl.com/dor93f
I would like to sponsor the forum, how do I do this?
The forum is open for sponsorship to cover the maintenance and time it takes to moderate the posts.
Anyone can be a silent sponsor for £1 or £3, scroll to the bottom of this page: https://jennifergilmour.com/abuse-talk-twitter/
For businesses/charities/organisations/advocates etc please contact me for availability – contact@jennifergilmour.com
Sponsors will receive a unique badge to place on their website and social media to show that they support the forum.
Tell me more about #AbuseTalk…
#AbuseTalk is a Twitter Chat that runs every Wednesday evening 8-9pm GMT. It is open to anyone who wants to discuss domestic abuse.
Each week we have a theme which is there to help the conversation flow through the one hour. You can at any point ask your own questions, reply to others and join in.
Not in the UK? That’s not a problem either, we have people joining in around the world and have adapted the cover photo to display the times in the timezones most used.
Find out more here:
https://jennifergilmour.com/abuse-talk-twitter/
Need to know more?
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or are interested in becoming a sponsor at contact@jennifergilmour.com
Thank you for your time and if the forum isn’t for you – it may be for one of your friends. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Video on how to register and see how the visibility of the forum is altered with the registration- https://youtu.be/YtImyAHffDE
Jennifer Gilmour
Kate Kenzie Writes 