Camal Knowledge

by Lees

Sue Lees has spent the last four years conducting three separate pieces of research into rape and sexual assault in Britain. Drawing on unique data on rape trials, police records of reported rape and sexual assault, and detailed questionnaires filled in by women who have been raped describing their assailants, Lees comes to the conclusion that the motivation for rape is not passion but rather sadistic, dominating, aggressive or even murderous intention.
This book proposes that an understanding of sexual violence requires an analysis of the relations between social control mechanisms, hegemonic masculinity and socio-economical factors. It argues that the confusions and controversies around feminist thinking on the subject do not necessarily help understanding of the issues.

Genres: Law, Feminism, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sue Lee's investigation into rape trials in the late 90's early 00's is fascinating, thorough and will make any woman angry beyond belief. I am well aware of the need to keep a trial fair and avoid any false allegation scenarios - however the way that victims (and Lees only concentrates on the female in this particualr study) are sometimes treated within a court environment is disgusting and sad. I got so angry at one point i threw the book across the room. Whereas since Lees study, there HAS been progress and reform in this area there is still a strong need for consistency in the way we treat victims of rape.