Book

Look What You Made Us Do

📖 Overview

Look What You Made Us Do investigates systemic abuse and coercive control in Australia, examining how domestic violence affects families and communities. Author Jess Hill spent four years researching this complex issue through interviews, case studies, and policy analysis. The book explores the perspectives of survivors, perpetrators, children, and frontline workers while breaking down the social and institutional barriers that allow abuse to continue. Hill analyzes law enforcement responses, court systems, and support services to reveal gaps in how society addresses domestic violence. Hill challenges common misconceptions about abuse and presents evidence for potential solutions drawn from global research and policy initiatives. Her investigation extends beyond individual cases to examine cultural attitudes and societal structures that influence patterns of domestic violence. Through this comprehensive examination, the book raises fundamental questions about power, gender, and justice while advocating for systemic change in how communities respond to domestic abuse.

👀 Reviews

Readers praise Hill's research depth and her ability to explain complex domestic abuse dynamics through real stories and interviews. Many reviews note the book helps readers understand why victims stay in abusive relationships and dismantles common misconceptions. Positive reviews mention the clear writing style and practical solutions offered. Multiple readers called it "eye-opening" and "important," with one Goodreads reviewer noting it "should be mandatory reading for police and judges." Some readers found parts emotionally difficult to get through, with a few saying they had to take breaks due to the heavy content. A small number felt the Australian focus limited its relevance internationally. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.7/5 (172 ratings) Amazon Australia: 4.8/5 (28 ratings) Amazon US: 4.6/5 (31 ratings) The book won Australia's Stella Prize for nonfiction in 2020, with readers frequently mentioning this award in their reviews.

📚 Similar books

Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft A detailed examination of abuser psychology and tactics from a counselor who worked with over 2000 domestic violence perpetrators.

No Visible Bruises by Rachel Louise Snyder An investigation into domestic violence that reveals the patterns of abuse, systemic failures, and solutions through case studies and research.

See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill A deep dive into coercive control and domestic abuse in Australia that examines perpetrator psychology and institutional responses.

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker A guide to understanding predatory behavior and violence through analysis of real-life cases and survival signals.

Coercive Control by Evan Stark A framework for understanding domestic abuse as a pattern of domination rather than discrete incidents of physical violence.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔹 Author Jess Hill spent four years investigating and researching domestic abuse in Australia, conducting hundreds of interviews with survivors, perpetrators, and experts before writing this groundbreaking book. 🔹 The book's title references Taylor Swift's song of the same name, which Hill chose to highlight how abusers often blame their victims for their actions. 🔹 "Look What You Made Me Do" won Australia's most prestigious literary prize, the Stella Prize, in 2020 - making it the first non-fiction book about domestic abuse to receive this honor. 🔹 The book challenges common misconceptions about domestic abuse, revealing that it's not primarily caused by anger management issues or alcohol, but rather by a perpetrator's desire for control. 🔹 In addition to the book, Jess Hill created a companion three-part documentary series for SBS Television, expanding on the book's themes and reaching an even wider audience with its vital message.