At Issue Series - Date Rape (paperback edition)

Rape between acquaintances has received increasing attention. This new view of rape has led to efforts to clarify the distinction between rape and consensual sex and has prompted a reexamination of sexual communications.

Gr 10 Up--Both of these books present the differing viewpoints of researchers and leaders in the field. Some of the authors take the stance that date rape and child sexual abuse are not as prevalent as the opposing side would have the public believe, while the opposite view holds that both problems are widespread and need more attention. The articles consist of both opinion pieces and statistical studies complete with lengthy bibliographies. Date Rape includes studies of attitudes, an examination of the definitions of date rape, philosophical feminist arguments, policies, and a call for action. Child Sexual Abuse examines the prevalence of this type of abuse, the reliability of recovered memories of abuse, the seriousness of child-to-child abuse, and whether offending priests can be reintegrated into society. Some of the presentations relate personal experiences to support the position under discussion. If young adults have the tenacity to read through this dense, statistical material, there is enough here to support any view.

Lois McCulley, Wichita Falls High School, TX

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