Why Rape Culture is a Dangerous Myth: From Steubenville to Ched Evans (Societas) - Softcover

Gittos, Luke

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845408373 ISBN 13: 9781845408374

Publisher: Societas, 2015

Synopsis

Today it is often said that we live in a 'rape culture'. Panicked headlines tell us that rape is on the increase and that the police are failing to deal with it. Our courts are said to be incapable of delivering justice in rape cases, with the rate of convictions remaining consistently low. Sexism and misogyny in wider society have created a culture in which rape is pervasive, under-reported and often ignored by an uncaring public. But these claims are built on myths and misunderstandings.

This book argues that the belief in a ‘rape culture’ is seriously distorting our discussion of sexual violence. It explains how the laws around rape have expanded significantly in recent decades, giving the state a far greater say in the most intimate areas of our lives. The drive to prosecute more and more people has damaging implications for our legal rights and basic freedoms ― and our ability to live intimately with one another. If we are to have a serious discussion about rape, it’s time to dispel the dangerous myth of rape culture.

About this title

About the Author

Luke Gittos is a solicitor practising criminal law. He is the legal editor for Spiked online, where he writes regularly about legal developments in this field and about defendant's rights generally. He regularly participates in debates on legal issues on television and radio.

Edition details

• Publisher: Societas
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1845408373
• ISBN 13: 9781845408374
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 140