Publication of Annabel Du Boulay's historical novel The Serpent's Tale.

See http://www.belashka.com/books/the-serpents-tale

Although The Serpent's Tale is set in the 16th century, the social issues it explores, such as the subjugation of women by patriarchal religious doctrines; violence against women, including abuse, rape and torture; and maternal mortality, remain endemic in our global society as the following statistics from www.womankind.org.uk (2009) reveal.

Domestic violence causes more deaths worldwide in women aged 15-44 than war, cancer or malaria

1 in 3 women worldwide are beaten, abused or raped

1 in 4 women worldwide are beaten while pregnant

1 in 7 women worldwide are raped by their spouse

1 woman dies every minute from pregnancy related causes, most of which are preventable

5,000 women worldwide are killed in honour killings each year for 'crimes' such as trying to leave an abusive marriage

2 million girls worldwide are forced into marriage each year

6,000 girls worldwide are forced to undergo female circumcision each day