Ruth Clare’s memoir Enemy  has been critically acclaimed and described as “Weaving a striking personal narrative with a revelatory exploration of the effects of war”.

Melbourne-based author and teacher Ruth is a survivor of childhood violence. Her father, traumatised from service in the Vietnam War, was violent and unpredictable.

In this episode of GET REAL, Ruth talks about her journey of healing from childhood violence and understanding the connection with her father’s wartime service and his behaviour.

On writing her memoir, Ruth says: “I kept waiting for the book that was like my story to appear…I kept waiting and waiting…and no one was writing about it…”

Ruth also shares openly and passionately about taking stigma away from the act of seeking help for mental health, being brave and her advocacy for removing the specific barriers that children experiencing violence in the home face in getting the support they need.

Open Arms is a counselling and support service for veterans and their families with a 24 hour phone line on 1800 011 046 and online resources www.openarms.gov.au

You can find out more about Ruth at her website www.ruthclare.com

Content note: If you’ve been affected by anything you’ve heard in this episode you can phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or go to www.lifeline.org.au