MUM TEAMS UP WITH AUTHOR TO CHRONICLE GRIEF AND REVEAL ORDEAL OF HER DAUGHTER,
MEERA
“Writing this memoir has been a spiritual journey for me and I had to understand why my daughter was brainwashed and manipulated into submission.
“I want the truth to be known around topics like depression and suicide awareness, which our communities often are reluctant to acknowledge and debate.
“I’ve also written this book for other parents who have lost a child under such difficult circumstances, it is time for the healing to continue for all of us, and in some cases, to begin.”
Saurav Dutt, whose debut novel, The Butterfly Room, chronicled the accounts of more than 200 domestic abuse survivors, said it was important people understood how complex domestic violence and psychological abuse is and that the South Asian community has a particular challenge in overcoming an issue which is often seen as taboo.
“We wanted to understand why a vibrant, happy, 25-year-old young lady would be driven to a point where she decided she did not want to remain in this world any longer,” he said.
“How does domestic violence change one’s mind set and approach to life?
“What can young people do to spot the signs and seek help? Can they move past these dark, often ugly, chapters in their life - and if they can’t, what are the reasons?
“We hope this book helps us answer some of these questions as well as to speak to every parent who has lost a child in such awful circumstances and to provide them with a means to address and understand the incredible pain of loss.”
Miss Dalal killed herself at her family home in Syston, though her family has since moved to a different area of Leicestershire after her death.
Her mum has been raising awareness of domestic abuse ever since through a Facebook page in her memory and says many victims have contacted her. It emerged that police received several reports about her ex-boyfriend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, but he was never charged.
A review was conducted to determine whether “lessons can be learned” for future handling of cases.
The force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to determine whether anything more could have been done. The watchdog determined there was no evidence of misconduct among officers involved in the case.
Fall in Light: A Mother’s Story’ is being released on International Women’s Day on Monday, March 8. Part of the proceeds will go towards organisations which provide education around suicide prevention and mental well-being.
I have to turn this unbearable pain into something positive to help those out there who are being abused