A new children’s book titled Raindrops and Dreams has been launched to help children understand and articulate their experiences related to domestic violence. The book features engaging characters, rhymes, and illustrations, aiming to bridge the communication gap for young ones who witness such distressing situations within their families.
Author Katrina Tsaftaropoulos, who works as a domestic violence case worker for Legal Aid NSW, conceived the idea well before her current role. Drawing from her experiences in court advocacy, she often observed mothers attending hearings with young children and pondered how they explained the complexities of their circumstances to their kids. “It was clear children were very much a reason why clients make decisions that they make, and I thought it would be really difficult for mums to find the language to explain what they were going through,” she shared.
The story is composed entirely in verse, with Tsaftaropoulos focusing on integrating essential terms relevant to the domestic violence context. “Kids who experience domestic violence are not just witnesses; they are impacted by it,” she emphasized. “I really wanted the story to be true to form and for children to not feel so alone.”
Illustrations Reflect Personal Experiences
Illustrator Marina Wilkinson brought Tsaftaropoulos’ vision to life with illustrations that resonate deeply with the book’s themes. Although she described herself as “arty,” this project marked a new venture for her. Having experienced domestic violence as a child herself, Wilkinson aimed to channel her memories into the visuals of the book. “The inspiration came from the strength women hold when they are protecting children at all costs,” she remarked. “A lot of the book is my personal memory in visual form, which was a benefit. I tried to make it look like a fairytale even though the topic is heavy.”
The narrative follows a family of crocodiles living in a swamp, where the father occasionally displays violent behavior towards the mother, prompting police intervention. The children, Bubbles and Lillygator, are sent to stay with their aunt while the father must seek help to change his behavior. The story incorporates familiar Australian animals such as turtles, kookaburras, kangaroos, and quokkas, which are relatable to young readers. Wilkinson explained, “There was no way I could draw humans because I didn’t want to put bruises on them. In my mind, my thoughts just went to my mum with her bruises, so I thought having animals would create a gap between a very harsh reality and the images.”
Facilitating Conversations on Difficult Topics
Both Tsaftaropoulos and Wilkinson hope the book serves as a gateway for discussing the challenging subject of domestic violence. “Sometimes conversations that are hardest to have are the ones that are needed the most,” Tsaftaropoulos stated. The initiative aligns with the mission of Legal Aid NSW, which has operated a domestic violence unit for a decade. Family law director Katie Kelso described it as a “heavy lifter” in the sector, providing comprehensive support for survivors.
Since its establishment, the unit has experienced a staggering 700 percent increase in demand, with a 70 percent surge occurring in the past two years alone. “The role of Legal Aid is not only to provide representation services, but we also see our role in raising awareness of issues in the community,” Kelso added.
For those in need of assistance, support services such as 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline (13 11 14), and Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) are available to provide help and guidance. Through Raindrops and Dreams, Tsaftaropoulos and Wilkinson aim to foster understanding and communication, making it easier for children and families to navigate the complexities surrounding domestic violence.
