A worthwhile, if perhaps a tough read. Can be triggering. Almost everyone has either been abused, or knows someone who has. People think of abuse as just physical, forgetting the emotional and verbal abuse is still abuse. This book is aimed at abusive men, but it would be just as beneficial for a man in a relationship with an abusive woman.

In this book, Bancroft dives into why abusers behave the way they do, and through snippets of his counseling sessions, reveals what goes on in their heads, the way abusers justify their behavior, or simply refuse to acknowledge what they’re doing and how they’re hurting their partners. There are also tips on how to get out safely, how to protect your children, and what to do if you’re a loved one witnessing abuse. It also explains why many times, the abused partner can’t “just leave”.

Worth a read if you’ve ever been abused or know someone who has, or is.