No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us by Rachel Louise Snyder delves into the causes and consequences of domestic violence in the United States through a decade of research. Combining firsthand accounts from survivors and abusers with insights from experts, Snyder explores the socio-economic context and significant costs of intimate partner abuse, while highlighting the experiences of individuals both aiding and suffering. Sensitive topics including domestic violence and murder-suicide are addressed.

Rachel Louise Snyder's No Visible Bruises is widely praised for its rigorous investigative reporting and empathetic portrayal of domestic violence. Critics commend Snyder’s compelling narrative and the depth of her research, though some note the subject matter's distressing nature may be difficult for sensitive readers. Overall, it is seen as an essential, impactful read.

A reader who appreciates deeply researched, compelling narratives on social issues would enjoy No Visible Bruises by Rachel Louise Snyder. Fans of works like Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn or Evicted by Matthew Desmond will find this book's exploration of domestic violence illuminating and essential.

Informative / Unnerving / Dark / Challenging / Emotional

- No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us is noted for its impactful blend of personal stories and investigative journalism, shedding light on the often unseen dynamics of domestic violence.
- Rachel Louise Snyder, the author of No Visible Bruises, is an award-winning journalist, known for her extensive investigative work on issues such as domestic violence and poverty.
- The book was shortlisted for the 2019 Kirkus Prize in Nonfiction and was named one of the New York Times' top ten books of the year, highlighting its critical acclaim and importance in public discourse.

**Rachel Louise Snyder**  
A journalist and author who investigates domestic violence, using her personal experiences to illuminate the human impact and complexities of abuse.

**Rocky Mosure**  
A man from Billings, Montana, whose troubled upbringing and substance abuse issues lead to a violent and tragic end with his partner.

**Michelle Mosure**  
A young, intelligent woman with a determined spirit who, despite early motherhood, strives for a better future while navigating a volatile relationship.

**Jacquelyn Campbell**  
A figure in domestic violence prevention who developed the Danger Assessment tool, which helps quantify the threat level faced by abuse victims.

**Gael Strack**  
An advocate focused on the medical treatment of domestic abuse victims, particularly in understanding the effects of strangulation and traumatic brain injuries.

**Sunny Schwartz**  
A proponent of restorative justice, promoting programs like ManAlive to disrupt cycles of violence.

**Suzanne Dubus**  
Co-founder of the “High Risk Team,” advancing methods to enhance protection for domestic violence victims.

**Kelly Dunne**  
Collaborator with Suzanne Dubus, improving support strategies for women in abusive situations.

**Martina Latessa**  
A detective specializing in assisting domestic violence victims in highly dangerous circumstances.

**Hamish Sinclair**  
Creator of ManAlive, an intervention program designed to help men with a history of domestic violence.

**David Adams**  
Founder of Emerge, an intervention program for addressing domestic violence by working directly with abusive men.

**Evan Stark**  
Author of Coercive Control, whose work is pivotal in recognizing non-physical forms of abuse like stalking and social isolation.

**Casey Gwinn**  
A legal advocate for evidence-based prosecution of abuse, dedicated to shielding victims from further harm during legal proceedings.

**Jimmy Espinoza**  
An admitted domestic abuser engaged in rehabilitation programs, whose background includes childhood sexual abuse.

**Donte Lewis**  
A domestic abuser with a history of substance abuse, involved in rehabilitation efforts to address his violent behavior.

Rachel Louise Snyder

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The End”

Preface-Part 1, Chapter 3

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Part 1, Chapters 4-5

No Visible Bruises Part 1, Chapters 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-8

No Visible Bruises Part 1, Chapters 6-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-10

No Visible Bruises Part 1, Chapters 9-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Beginning”

Part 2, Chapters 11-13

No Visible Bruises Part 2, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 14-16

No Visible Bruises Part 2, Chapters 14-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 17-18

No Visible Bruises Part 2, Chapters 17-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Middle”

Part 3, Chapters 19-21

No Visible Bruises Part 3, Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 22-24

No Visible Bruises Part 3, Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 25

No Visible Bruises Part 3, Chapter 25 Summary & Analysis

Author’s Note-Afterword

No Visible Bruises Author’s Note-Afterword Summary & Analysis

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No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us

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