Underclass

Underclass is at times comedy and at times tragedy. Jess deserves good things - and this memoir shows it * Will Hanrahan *Underclass is more than a memoir; it’s a testament to the power of one person’s story to ignite change. Jess’ unwavering determination and resilience leap off the pages, pushing readers to confront difficult truths and inspiring action. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking insight into the complexities of advocacy paired with experience and the enduring strength of the human spirit – Dr Charlotte Proudman

Dr Jessica Taylor is a Chartered Psychologist, multi-Sunday Times bestselling author, and internationally recognised expert in victimology, trauma, and forensic psychology. Jessica holds a PhD in Forensic Psychology from the University of Birmingham.

In 2019, she was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) for her contributions to feminism and psychology. In 2023, she received the Associate Fellowship of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS) in recognition of her work in the field of psychology.

Her first book, Why Women are Blamed for Everything, was published in 2020. Her second book, Sexy But Psycho: Uncovering the psychiatric labelling of women and girls, became a Sunday Times bestseller upon its release in 2022. In 2023, Jessica co-authored The Indicative Trauma Impact Manual, the first comprehensive textbook on trauma responses and coping mechanisms. Her memoir, Underclass: A Memoir, was released in 2024 and became her second Sunday Times bestseller.

Dr Jessica Taylor is a frequent media commentator on victim psychology and trauma. She has appeared in documentaries such as BBC’s Womanhood and ITV’s When Nudes are Stolen and Celebrity Health Stories. She also makes regular appearances on radio, podcasts, and television, including the #1 trending Netflix true crime series My Lover, My Killer and Meet, Marry, Murder. Jessica has also written opinion pieces for The Independent and The Guardian. She is an influential academic who uses social media to share her ideas and has a significant following across her platforms.

As CEO of VictimFocus, she leads the organisation’s strategic direction, national influence, and international partnerships. Her work encompasses the development of evidence-based psychological theory, impactful resources, service frameworks, and consultancy models used in health, justice, education, and social care.

Jessica specialises in anti-pathology and trauma-informed approaches to understanding and responding to the abuse and trauma experienced by women and girls. She leads projects and lecture series in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

With extensive frontline experience working directly with victims and survivors, Jessica brings a grounded, practice-informed perspective to her research, writing, and leadership. She is a leading voice in the development of trauma-informed, anti-oppressive frameworks for systems and services. She has advised on national policing strategies, government policy regarding violence against women and girls (VAWG) and mental health, and institutional reform in the UK and internationally.

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