A statement about South of Forgiveness

Scribe believes in the right of Thordis and Tom to write and publish their story, and to discuss its implications, its difficulties and its consequences in public.

Thordis and Tom are very clear that their story is only theirs; they in no way wish to present their lives as typical or to prescribe any recommended response to rape. Nor do they wish to cause renewed pain in those who have suffered. Others will have their own experience of rape and its aftermath, and as Thordis says: ‘Nobody has the right to tell anyone else how to handle their deepest pain.’

However, it is the authors' contention, and Scribe's, that Tom’s voice can contribute to our understanding of why sexual violence occurs. It can shed light on how some seemingly ordinary men can become perpetrators, and how society breeds and even sometimes condones the attitudes that lead them to rape. To learn about this is in no way to excuse it.

Tom Stranger is a perpetrator of rape. He has acknowledged as much publicly, and seeks to avoid inappropriate praise for his admission of guilt. He believes taking responsibility for committing any form of sexual violence should be viewed as essential rather than praise-worthy, whilst going to lengths to avoid suggesting that perpetrators should make contact with any individuals they have subjected to sexual violence. As the primary author of South of Forgiveness, the large majority of all royalties will go to Thordis. Tom will be donating any profits he receives to a women's shelter in Reykjavik. Tom will not profit from his involvement in South of Forgiveness.