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4.68 AVERAGE
4.68 AVERAGE
This book was insightful, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful of a solution to domestic violence. I was horrified and gripped by the stories Jess had collected, which showed me a side of my country I know is there but (thankfully) have no personal experience with. If you have any interest in Australian society, this book should be mandatory reading.
This book has inspired me to consider what I can do to combat the harmful attitudes that lead to a society where domestic violence is tolerated and ignored, but also to think about more immediate ways in which I can support the systems that help survivors.
This book has inspired me to consider what I can do to combat the harmful attitudes that lead to a society where domestic violence is tolerated and ignored, but also to think about more immediate ways in which I can support the systems that help survivors.
I’m giving this rating not because I “enjoyed” this book. I didn’t at all. The subject matter is awful and the stories heart-breaking and harrowing. But this book (Winner of the 2020 Stellar Prize) is thoroughly researched and well-written. The scale of domestic and family violence and the torture inflicted on victims was hard at times to read and I had to take many breaks from this book.
I guess I’m a “lucky” one – my father and both of my grandfathers NEVER lifted a hand to my mum or grandmothers and other forms of coercive control were alien to me – my grandmothers and mother had lots of friends, went on trips with their friends, had their own interests, etc. and all managed the household budgets giving them financial independence. I’m also in a healthy, equal relationship with my husband.
I can’t say I would recommend reading this as its content is shocking and could be triggering for those impacted by domestic violence (whether a victim, advocate or someone who works in the system) but it shows sadly how common it is. She also explains why victims will stay, whether out of love, to protect their children, protect themselves (as if they leave they are more likely to be killed) or because they can’t because they are so controlled by their intimate partner who tracks their every move or they have no independent means to such as access to money, family or friends.
The author also describes the structures and systems in place including Govt policy, the legal system (including the family law courts) and police which haven’t reduced the harrowing statistics. (currently one woman a week is killed at the hand of their intimate partner in Australia) ☹
I guess I’m a “lucky” one – my father and both of my grandfathers NEVER lifted a hand to my mum or grandmothers and other forms of coercive control were alien to me – my grandmothers and mother had lots of friends, went on trips with their friends, had their own interests, etc. and all managed the household budgets giving them financial independence. I’m also in a healthy, equal relationship with my husband.
I can’t say I would recommend reading this as its content is shocking and could be triggering for those impacted by domestic violence (whether a victim, advocate or someone who works in the system) but it shows sadly how common it is. She also explains why victims will stay, whether out of love, to protect their children, protect themselves (as if they leave they are more likely to be killed) or because they can’t because they are so controlled by their intimate partner who tracks their every move or they have no independent means to such as access to money, family or friends.
The author also describes the structures and systems in place including Govt policy, the legal system (including the family law courts) and police which haven’t reduced the harrowing statistics. (currently one woman a week is killed at the hand of their intimate partner in Australia) ☹
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
This harrowing, enthralling book is a deeply-satisfying analysis of the causes and consequences of domestic abuse. Jess Hill is to be congratulated for challenging the effectiveness of the current responses and putting forward some alternative approaches. A great book that every thinking person should read.
A confronting but important book about domestic abuse in Australia. It looks at the many different types of abuse, the people who perpetrate it, and the truly complex reasons why this is a national crisis. I found it gave a much fuller picture about why domestic abuse occurs, and how society as a whole contributes to an environment where it occurs so frequently, and is so difficult to deal with.
Domestic abuse is a crisis of our times, and Hill answered the call with the best piece of investigative journalism in the past year. This is discomforting and infuriating and Hill writes unflinchingly.
Excellent review of DV, considered and carefully researched. A must read for all.