Abuse and violence against women and children are not modern-day afflictions. They are societal violations that have been left untreated for decades. In this true-life story, Anita Arendsen weaves a tapestry of peculiar characters together to bring to life the reality of how this evil eats away at the core of existence, causing people to abandon morals and values, and even themselves.

SKINS outlines the pain and misery caused by living with sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Thoughts of suicide and murder constantly torment Amelia, so much so that she eventually even purchases a gun. This story tells the tale of how she purposefully peels away layers of hatred, fear, anger and self-loathing accrued over many years of physical and sexual abuse, revealing a deep-seated yearning to regain her dignity – and hope! – through resilience and self-care. This triumphant story does not dwell on what has been lost, but rather celebrates the tenacity and endurance of the human spirit.