NCJ Number
177998
Editor(s)
Mary E. Williams,
Tamara L. Roleff
Date Published
1997
Length
204 pages
Annotation
These 25 articles present contrasting perspectives on the causes of sexual assault, the seriousness of the problem, ways in which society should address sexual victimization, and methods of reducing sexual assault.
Abstract
The varied opinions are intended to help readers develop critical thinking skills and to understand and question their own opinions and assumptions. The arguments are presented by prominent spokespeople on different sides of each issues, as well as professionals from many subject areas. Individual articles present opposing viewpoints regarding whether pornography causes sexual violence, whether rap music promotes sexual violence, whether traditional male and female sex roles promote sexual violence, and rape as a weapon of war. Additional papers argue whether or not the incidence of rape and child sexual abuse have been exaggerated, whether women should avoid claiming status as victims, whether incest survivors deserve respect and support, and whether the battered woman syndrome is a valid defense. Further papers focus on arguments for and against the impacts on sexual violence of the castration of sex offenders, community notification laws, sexual predator laws, and gender equality. Discussion questions, illustrations, index, annotated list of organizations to contact, periodical bibliographies for each section, and 48 references