See What You Made Me Do:
Power, Control and Domestic Violence
by Jess Hill
Referenced in Show Notes: Safe to Hope podcast – Domestic Abuse Recponciled – Episode 4
See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill is a comprehensive exploration of domestic violence that uncovers the grim realities of power and control. For leaders, counselors, and people-helpers supporting victims of abuse, this book offers a critical understanding of the psychology behind abusive relationships. With Hill’s investigative approach, it provides invaluable insights into why victims often return to their abusers and how systems designed to help can sometimes perpetuate harm. It is a must-read for those in crisis intervention and post-trauma care, as well as for survivors seeking to better understand their experiences.
God’s Precepts and Strategies: Although See What You Made Me Do is not written from a faith-based perspective, leaders in Christian ministries can find its themes intersecting with God’s commands to protect the vulnerable and pursue justice. The book highlights the destructive nature of control and manipulation, resonating with biblical warnings against using power to oppress. Christian counselors can draw from the book’s discussions on abuser behavior and victim response to emphasize God’s principles of freedom, mutual respect, and healing through Christ. Hill’s in-depth research becomes a resource for integrating faith with practical responses to domestic violence.
Key Takeaways for Leaders and Counselors: For those in leadership roles, See What You Made Me Do equips you with a sharper understanding of the dynamics at play in abusive relationships. Jess Hill challenges misconceptions and offers strategies that focus on supporting victims while holding abusers accountable. Leaders can apply these insights to create safe environments in their ministries and counseling practices, ensuring that abusers are not only confronted but that victims are empowered to regain their agency. This aligns with biblical counseling approaches, which promote truth-telling, repentance, and restoration.
Impact on Victims and Survivors: For survivors, See What You Made Me Do may be a transformative read. Hill’s empathetic portrayal of victims’ struggles—paired with her exposure of systemic failings—can offer solace and validation. The book recognizes the psychological weight of coercive control, explaining why leaving an abusive partner can feel impossible. Survivors reading this will find their experiences reflected and understood, and they may gain new clarity about the patterns of abuse they endured. This insight can be a first step toward healing and reclaiming their lives, particularly when supported by a faith-based community that echoes Christ’s message of hope and restoration.
Conclusion: See What You Made Me Do is a sobering, well-researched account that pulls no punches in revealing the depths of domestic violence. Jess Hill’s work is an essential tool for those in Christian leadership and counseling roles, helping them support victims more effectively and recognize the urgent need for change in how we address abuse. For victims and survivors, this book may offer crucial understanding and a sense of empowerment as they navigate their path to safety and healing. To learn more and get your copy, click through this affiliate link.
