More socially confident controlling people may keep family members close so that they can be monitored and even used to help control the victim. For example, when Lenny first met Marcie, he immediately took control, telling her where to sit in the bar and insisting that he would pay for her drinks. It describes how perpetrators establish and maintain control through fear and routines, some of which may seem innocuous. Knowledge is power’ - This is a book any one in a relationship, considering being a relationship, or who knows someone in a relationship should read.

We all do our best to navigate the world as safely as possible, but there are some patterns of behaviour that seemingly defy logic, and an expert’s opinion (such as Monckton Smith’s) is a gold mine of information on how to understand these scenarios. And that’s how things are very often argued in court, because if you can argue for crime of passion you will probably reduce your charge from murder to manslaughter. I’m in recovery from a long coercive but non violent relationship that I left because things seemed to be escalating and was recommended this by my therapist. 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? It’s a fantastic piece of non-fiction by Jane Monckton Smith who is a specialist in the field of homicides and has a plethora of experience behind her.If I knew someone in this situation I suspect the book would terrify me but I would also feel empowered to act in some way. These are demonstrated through case studies, homicide reviews, and interviews with perpetrators and the families and friends of victims. Learning to look for concerning behaviours and identify each of the 8 stages was both reassuring and concerning in equal measure.

The stories in the book will stay with you, and will make you rethink how these situations are dealt with, from law enforcement to family court. This is why I think the rhetoric towards V Putin has to be tempered with a recognition of his position as head of a great state while denouncing his actions and leaving him room to save face. I wish I had known this 15 years ago but feel excited and empowered to make a difference now with what I have learnt. to protect themselves (which may appear to be self sabotaging to third parties) and historical and existing cultural norms, practices and laws that protect abusers or make it difficult for the abused to exit situations. By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file.A must read for anyone who wants to know more about coercive control, how it works and how to use the time line can be useful in preventing further violence (which can lead to murder). Reading the book I agree with everything the author says and was impressed by her knowledge, insight and empathy. I found it really interesting especially as coercive control in romantic relationships is starting to be taken seriously legally and I think more people should know the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. So pleased that this superb body of work has been read by so many and starting to influence policing and policies.

I was intrigued to understand and read more about this from a level-headed, non-dramatised perspective.

What is Communism if not a history or controlling (and possibly stalking if we include surveillance). Using this the author debunks the myths of 'crimes of passion' and also looks at how the victim in these cases is often unheard and somehow deserved their treatment. Professor Jane Monkton Smith isnt simply an academic it's very clear that she has a deep understanding of the system and its flaws. I spend part of my working days travelling to and from visits as a Safeguarding Social Worker; for me listening to audiobooks has become a source of education and escapism.