Description
A Book About Being a Woman in a Male Dominated Environment
When Carolyn joined the Police Force as a twenty one year old female she expected to be confronted by some horrible situations. She expected to be confronted by death, drugs, offenders, and all that came with being a Police Officer.
However, nothing had prepared her for what she was about to encounter. She did not expect that all the problems, disappointments and heart break would come from within the Police Force, from the members she worked with and trusted. She was not prepared for the blatant sexual discrimination, bullying and harassment that was an excepted part of Police culture.
This book outlines what many Policewoman had to face to be accepted into the boys club known as Victoria Police. It details how quickly members would turn their backs on someone if they thought supporting them could be detrimental to their own careers. In the Police Force it seemed that no one was ever accountable or responsible for the welfare of its members and Carolyn’s story really highlights these problems.
This is the true story of one Policewoman’s fight to stay in the job she loved no matter how much it affected her health, her family life and her confidence.
admin –
I attended a meeting at which this author talked about her experience in the police force and consequently I purchased her book and read it in one sitting. I have a couple of friends – who were reasonably high up in the force and hopefully were never involved in the actions of which she spoke and wrote. My daughter was also very interested in joining the police force but a physical issue kept her out – I was never that keen but now am exceptionally glad. It is only a small book but it tells a large story. Many women of my generation faced harassment and bullying even in the most innocuous of occupations let alone an occupation that attracts macho men and one in which you are a minority. What a shame that she was not able to achieve her full potential in this job she entered with so much enthusiasm. Hopefully following the recent review of bullying and human rights issues in the police force will make changes.
– Coral Lindupp – Goodreads
Leanne Pethick –
It is you and women like you, who have allowed the change to begin. I congratulate you on having the courage to tell your story. I am sure your book will play an important role in promoting a better culture for women in the police force.
– Daniel Andrews, MP, PREMIER OF VICTORIA
Leanne Pethick –
It was amazing!
A real life game of thrones. This woman is a true hero. It disgusts me she has received no compensation for the complete abuse of power, bullying and sexual discrimination in the Victorian Police Force. A real Shero. Her story had to be told. Thank you to the Australian True Crime Podcast who interviewed this woman and put me onto her book.
– Terese Stockdale, Goodreads Website
Leanne Pethick –
A policewoman’s story of discrimination, bullying and harassment. Incredibly difficult subject matter, relating a very personal experience. Equally one can imagine that it would have been a difficult, although hopefully cathartic experience, relating the events Carolyn Pethick outlines in TO HELL AND BACK. I’ve had many goes at writing something about this book until it finally dawned on me – I can’t review a story like this / I’m not comfortable rating something this personal. Whether or not it was an enjoyable, informative or difficult experience reading it, is nothing compared to the author’s aim in writing it.
– Karen, GOOD READ REVIEWS
Leanne Pethick –
Hi Carolyn, Have just read your book ‘To Hell and Back’! Great read and I empathise with you in many ways. I was a policewoman with Vicpol 1977-2011 and I absolutely loved my career, until retiring after 34 years on medical grounds after being through the horrific work over system from early 2009. My story is not unlike yours – fighting to stay in a career that you adore and contribute 110% and being bullied and let down by the ‘system!’ Hopefully the recommendations from the report released last year (to which Graeme Ashton affirmed in the media that he would comply with) will be actioned, and the future of Vicpol will see improvement in truly supporting the health and welfare of its most important asset – hard working employees! Once again, very well done on your book, you are a courageous lady. All the very best in your future endeavours.
– Trish Quinn Wood
Leanne Pethick –
Hi Carolyn, I have just read your story and cannot believe that you were treated so badly. As a Victorian I am disgusted with the way you were treated. I have been a volunteer first responder for many years with the CFA and SES and in both these groups we have always welcomed women. To read your story about the male dominant Victorian Police force is something that has been kept from the public for too long. I hope you continue to shine the spotlight on this culture and show that it’s not acceptable for any woman to be treated this way. You have my support along with many other Victorians. I hope Daniel Andrews and Ken Lay take the time to read your book because they need a wakeup call. Take care and Respect for your Service to the Victorian community.
– Zane Lewis-Hamilton