Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault in Popular Culture

(Hardback)

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Description

Using historical and current examples from film, television, literature, advertisements, and music, this book reveals the ways that rape and abuse are typically presentedand misrepresentedand evaluates the impact of these depictions on consumers. Incidences of domestic abuse and sexual assault aren't only commonplace nationwide and the source of a shockingly large number of serious injuries and deaths; they're also problems that are often subject to myths and misleading depictions in popular culture and media. The author of this important book seeks to shed light on the situation by examining the specific issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault, from the scope and extent of the problem to victim and offender characteristics, and from common misconceptions to societal, cultural, and judicial responses and prevention efforts. Each chapter discusses movies, music, literature, and other forms of popular culture that address issues of domestic abuse and sexual assault, identifying both accurate depictions and problematic examples. The final section of the book addresses how our culture responds to and attempts to prevent domestic abuse and sexual assault, covering depictions of police response to these kinds of crimes in popular culture, how the justice system handles these cases, and individual and community efforts to curb domestic abuse and sexual assault. A compendium of films, documentaries, popular books, and song lyrics featuring domestic abuse and sexual assault enables readers to easily investigate the subject further.

Reviews

Finley's work is an exceptional study of societal, family, and individual issues related to domestic abuse and sexual assault and the perceptions of these issues through the eyes of pop culture. * PsycCRITIQUES *
Because the text covers familiar territory for students, this is an ideal volume to spark discussion in introductory courses in women's studies, cultural studies, and sociology. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General, public, and undergraduate libraries. * Choice *

Author Bio

Laura L. Finley, PhD, is associate professor of sociology and criminology at Barry University, Miami Shores, FL.