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256 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2021
"A woman is killed by her partner or ex-partner every four days in the UK."What it’s about
"Historically, cultural, legal, religious and societal messages have made explicit to men in particular that control of their wife is a right..."The book focuses on improving understanding of why victims behave in ways that can seem strange to the everyday person — why don’t they just leave? Why don’t they do something? It aims to eradicate this thinking but helping us understand what is going on and why the victims need to not only be heard, but believed, in order to get them the help they need to be truly free — and permanently safe — from their abusers.
"Control is devious and deceptive, and these things are often invisible."The book is written in a very matter of fact way, with a detatched tone. The author isn't trying to express emotions and has made an excellent effort to remove any bias on her behalf. It's calm, it's collected and it presents all the details of her research in a simplistic manner that is both shocking and plain to understanding.
"...because controlling people, in the main, will want a rapid commitment, they may target people who they feel might give that."Why I read this
"More socially confident controlling people may keep family members close so that they can be monitored and even used to help control the victim."Why you should read this
"Even where there may be mental illness, a history of control is relevant."This is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the eight different stages people pass through, men and women, in a controlling relationship. Monckton Smith uses examples the whole way through to demonstrate and back up her arguments. It’s a really harrowing experience to see the sheer number of examples for all types of scenarios in all types of relationships that she is able to procure.
"Coercive control is frequently driven by the fears of its perpetrators, and maintained by the fears of its victims."It is something I would have hoped would be difficult to find information on (as if to believe it wasn’t so common). But this is very common behaviour, and the abuse that is discussed in this book is seen world-wide. It is disappointing and scary to realise that there are endless examples of this controlling behaviour and abuse that can be drawn upon. It really opens your eyes to the magnitude of the problem.
"If we ever accept excessive jealousy and excuse or justify it, we just strengthen the control."Summary
"Knowledge is power."*Thank you to Bloomsbury for providing me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review