Domestic violence is violence within an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can take place between romantic partners of all gender identities. It can also be violence perpetrated by an adult against a child. In this novel, McFadden explores the stories told about domestic violence, especially those that miss important details of how domestic violence occurs. The primary instance the novel seems interested in are those involving violence perpetrated by men on their female partners. The main character, Millie, after spending a decade in prison for protecting a friend from a rapist, has made it her life’s mission to save women from their abusive partners by helping these women escape. Millie is also studying to become a social worker in hopes of continuing this work in a legal capacity. It is this history of helping women that causes Millie to recognize the signs of abuse in Wendy Garrick and to push to save her.

The novel is told from Millie’s point of view, and it is easy to see why she would believe Wendy is abused. Wendy spends all her time locked in the guest bedroom of her home. Douglas, Wendy’s husband, refuses to allow Millie to interact with Wendy and he becomes angry when she does.