Season 1

Jess explores relationships in which 'abuse' evolves in complex and confusing ways. We meet the victim survivors, and the family of victims, who don't recognise the danger of this abuse until it's too late. Jess helps us navigate the extraordinary ways in which humans have historically used non-violence to manipulate, isolate and demean the people around them, with devastatingly powerful results.

The question Jess Hill is asked only too often is: why doesn't she just leave? The question fails to acknowledge that leaving an abusive partner is one of the most dangerous moves a victim survivor can ever make. Sometimes it is too risky - women will make a decision to stay with their abuser, and the abuse, rather than take a punt on his threats of greater harm should she attempt to escape.

Almost three decades ago Phil Cleary's little sister was murdered by a man she had the temerity to leave. Since then, Phil has watched history repeat itself.

Jess Hill joins host Alice Matthews and five other panellists to discuss what solutions Australia can implement right now to stop family violence.