This life is mine - Stories of Survival Book Launch

This life is mine is a collection of short stories from victim-survivors of family and sexual violence, exploring their experiences of love, intimacy, family, systems and violence. The book launch will celebrate the release of these lived experience stories alongside accompanying artwork created by and with victim-survivors. The event will be held at the Cascades Female Factory on 25 November 2026 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm, marking the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. The launch will bring together victim-survivors, community members, service providers, advocates and supporters to reflect on the stories shared in the book. It seeks to reposition victim-survivors as heroes of their own stories, acknowledging those whose lives have been profoundly impacted by men's violence and who have nonetheless forged lives that are entirely their own. The event aims to create a space to honour women’s resistance, strength, and recognise their wisdom. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of victim-survivor experiences, an appreciation of the power of lived expertise, and a sense of hope inspired by stories of resistance, healing and life beyond violence.