RAPE: Preventing It; Coping with the Legal, Medical and Emotional Aftermath

by Janet Bode ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1979

For young women reluctant to take on a lengthier adult treatment--or even Margaret O. Hyde's slightly more scholarly YA--Bode reconstructs some representative rape hot-line conversations and takes various young victims through typical hospital, police, and court procedures. She emphasizes that the decision to report or prosecute is up to the victim (though a medical exam is a must) and points out the variety of problems--from finding the guy to finding a nonsexist jury--which frequently stand in the way of conviction. For what they're worth, Bode tosses in some statistics on tape's effect on the victim (among the figures: 16% experienced improved family relationships; 16% got along worse with their families after the rape) and she reports on the standard studies of rapists' motives (aggression, not attraction) and relevant matters. Tips on rape avoidance are also included and Bode sensibly ignores the objections of some feminists to cautions against walking alone at night. (Oddly, she doesn't say not to hitchhike though; just that ""it's better not to hitchhike alone or at night"" and that back seats, door handles, and such should be checked before getting in.) A major point is that help is at hand--in the form of rape crisis centers and other such organizations, which are listed here in an appendix. Skimpy but practical.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1979

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Watts

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1979

Categories: NONFICTION