Because I Love Him by Ashlee Donohue is a memoir of privileged insight into strong family ties, the intricacies of relationships and the unspoken expectations within urban Aboriginal communities. This is a very personal account of love, loss, addiction, motherhood and domestic violence. Ashlee chronicles the profound impact of life on the margins on herself, her family and her community.
A proud Dunghutti woman, born and raised in Kempsey NSW, Ashlee was determined to keep her family together, despite the unforgivable acts and inevitable fallout, to gift her children what she never had—the presence of their father.
This deeply engaging and inspiring memoir gives the reader a privileged look into a life unravelling and the journey from addict to empowerment. A riveting story told with compassion and sensitivity.
Ashlee Donohue, is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Dunghutti nation, born and raised in Kempsey, New South Wales. She is an author, educator and media commentator advocating domestic and family violence awareness. Ashlee has created a platform to share lived experiences, as well as a safe place and support network for many women. Ashlee has appeared on the ABC (The Drum), NITV and SBS, and has written for publications such as Mamamia, IndigenousX and The Guardian, and appeared on many podcasts.
A highly sought-after facilitator, speaker, consultant and powerful advocate, Ashlee has presented at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women forums in New York City. She has been the lead writer and co-creator for numerous anti-violence campaigns and anti-racism education materials, adaptations and reviews of a variety of work.
Ashlee is currently the CEO of Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Women’s Centre, sits on the City of Sydney’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory panel and is on the Domestic Violence New South Wales Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Steering Committee.
