Pizzey, Erin (1939–)

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Pizzey, Erin (1939–)

British social reformer and novelist. Name variations: Erin Shapiro; Erin Patria Pizzey. Born Erin Patricia Margaret Carney, 1939, in China; dau. of Cyril Carney (diplomat) and Ruth Patricia Last; had a twin sister; m. John Pizzey (broadcaster), 1961 (div. 1979); m. Jeffrey Shapiro (psychologist, div.).

Worked at community center in Chiswick, where she founded the 1st refuge for battered women (1971); campaigned on behalf of battered women, often clashing with other activists; writings include Scream Quietly or the Neighbours will Hear (1974) and (with Jeffrey Shapiro) Prone to Violence (1982); novels include The Watershed (1983), Morningstar (1992), Swimming with Dolphins (1993) and The Wicked World of Women (1996). Received San Valentino d'Oro prize for literature (1994).

See also memoir Infernal Child (1978).