Sage Publications Rape: The Misunderstood Crime: The Misunderstood Crime

Rape--it is probably the most misunderstood of violent crimes. Only two to five percent of rapists are ever convicted and when an accusation of rape is made, the victim often becomes the focus of attention. Unfortunately, one prototypical conceptualization--a madman who waits for his next victim with a weapon in hand--is still prevalent. Most rapes, however, are committed by someone the victim knows. Using theoretical, empirical, journalistic, and anecdotal sources, Rape: The Misunderstood Crime synthesizes the most current research available on this topic from a psychological perspective. Stranger rape, date rape, prevailing attitudes toward rape, the rape victim at trial, and negative reactions to the rape victim are explored. Allison and Wrightsman conclude with a look at rape prevention. Rape: The Misunderstood Crime is an excellent resource for professionals and students of psychology, sociology, education, social work, criminal justice, and law who seek to dispel "rape myths" and wish to better understand the nature and dynamics of both the rapist and the victim.