Thirty years working in the criminal justice system inspired Pamela R Haynes to write a book that puts the probation service at the centre of the story.

Loving The Brothers focuses on Patti, a Senior Probation Officer; Charmaine, a stressed out mum of twins; and Rose, a pastor’s wife with five daughters.

Previous experience of dealing with domestic violence at HM Crown Prosecution Service and later at the Probation Service in Stratford, gave her the idea to tackle this issue.

She said: “I chose to include the cycle of domestic abuse to demonstrate the different forms of abuse, for example, financial, emotional and physical abuse. “

Pamela didn’t feel any pressure to write a story that focuses on Black issues, because domestic abuse occurs regardless of race, education, job or religion. However she wanted to highlight why abusive relationships affect black women differently.

“For Black women there is a real fear about involving the authorities when things go wrong in their relationships, because of the discrimination they may experience and the systematic racism within large organisations like the police, social services and the family courts.”

It took Pamela two years to write Loving The Brothers alongside working full time. Her experience of publishing was not always positive.

“The feedback I received from agents was not always helpful. Some suggested I change the title of my book, the cover or make one of my protagonists white. Unfortunately, that was non-negotiable.”

But Pamela noticed a change after the death of George Floyd.

“A significant number of traditional publishing houses have appeared to open their doors, “ she said. “ I have certainly seen more mentoring opportunities and writing competitions focused on redressing the balance.”

Pamela completed her second book during lockdown, a sequel called Loving The Sisters and is currently writing her third novel ‘Loving The Children.’

You can listen to Pamela’s podcast here, and more information available on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If you have been affected by the issues featured in the book you can contact the following Newham organisations on the links provided: Newham Domestic Violence Support and Hestia – Newham Community Based Domestic and Sexual Violence.

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