Just One Slap? (EXCERPTS)

"Just One Slap?" focuses on two forms of violence; the physical and psychological violence of Katya's former partner, as well as the institutional violence directed against her and her infant child. The book doesn't cover all forms of violence against women; only violence not considered serious in social terms. The following scene is the scene that was later qualified as 'just one slap':

"Out of the blue, before I could even finish my sentence, Eric - whilst carrying Zoe in his arms - struck me across the face. The shock of that first slap rippled through every cell in my body. He screamed "slut, bitch", grabbing my left arm and pushing me hard. His face turned blood red and his veins popped as he lunged hurling threats and insults: "I'll rip you apart, you crazy bitch". I told him to stop, and he slapped me again. He grabbed my other arm and squeezed it so hard, I thought it would dry up and drop off. I struggled out of his grip, but no 'time out'; I was still against the ropes. I had no idea what to do; fight or flight? Eric is 1.82 metres... And he had Zoe in his arms! Me, I'm nothing next to him; petite 1.58. "Stop! I'm not as strong as you," I pleaded, naively trying to reason with him. The shoving was so violent, I almost fell over... several times.

During this unbelievable battle of the sexes, what was mostly on my mind was snatching Zoe away from him. She was still in his arms screaming, her lungs about to burst, completely terrorised..."

This book focuses on institutional violence. It intends to raise public awareness and, in my view, can be a useful 'compass' for victims to navigate through the current institutional labyrinth. It does not intend to render any type of psychological, legal, or other kind of professional advice. It can also be used as part of a training toolkit for professionals dealing with women's rights and gender equality (especially police officers, members of the health services, social workers, lawyers and judges).