In the 'Regenerator' space in Zabok, a promotion was held for the autobiographical book I Die and Return Like a Phoenix by the local author Josipa Deak. The book represents a personal confession and an emotional 'scream' through which the author publicly addresses her difficult life struggle, domestic violence, and the long process of healing.
The event was moderated by Jana Borovčak, who holds a master's degree in library science and South Slavic languages and literature, who guided the audience through the most prominent moments of the author's 10-year struggle. This struggle is detailed in nearly 200 pages of the book. A large audience followed the discussion on very difficult topics, while the author shared her personal experiences and the motives that drove her to write.
Through writing, the author transformed her trauma into an inspiring story, aiming to raise awareness about the issues many remain silent about and to offer hope to other women experiencing similar situations. Presenting the book to a local audience was a liberating experience for the author.
Deak stated that it was very important to her to share her story with the aim of inspiring other women, victims of violence, and encouraging them to move away from the situation they found themselves in. She recalled that when she first found herself in that situation and left, she was without a job, without money, and without a settled housing situation, yet she knew she had to leave such an environment. She noted that she is now, for the second time, going through the same situation and has left again. This now means to her that she is moving forward, that she is finally moving towards something good, and her wish is to help others.
The local mayor, Valentina Đurek, attended the event, stating that the topic is extremely difficult and must not be ignored. She stated that I Die and Return Like a Phoenix is a story of pain, survival, strength, and rediscovering oneself. She emphasized that violence is not a private matter, that we must speak about it, and that no one should have to go through it alone. She highlighted the importance of speaking, listening, recognising violence, and responding, as well as creating a society where every woman knows she is not alone and deserves a life free from violence.
The mayor added that today's promotion, with its themes and messages, serves as a prelude to the observance of the National Day against violence against women on 22 September. On that day, a screening on the theme will be held at the 'Regenerator' cinema at 18:00, followed by the action of placing a 'You Are Not Alone' banner on the pedestrian bridge in the centre at 20:00.
