Review of 'Rape: Challenging Contemporary Thinking' Edited by Miranda Horvath and Jennifer Brown. Cullompton: Willan Publishing, 2009

Abstract

'Rape: Challenging Contemporary Thinking' is a well researched edited collection and a valuable contribution to the available literature on sexual assault. It does not however, as the title suggests, consistently challenge contemporary thinking. Many of the themes in the edited collection are not new; rather, most of the chapters simply offer a more up-to-date picture of the existing problems facing sexual assault victims who decide to proceed through the criminal justice process. Despite the problems with the title, this edited collection does have a lot to offer to both researchers and practitioners working within the criminal justice system. Much of the work can be practically used to assist victims by informing criminal justice practitioners of more sensitive protocols and by challenging practitioners to confront their own stereotypical beliefs. In addition, while the edited collection focuses on research conducted throughout Europe, it could be applied to most jurisdictions around the world.