Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault in Popular Culture

Laura L. Finley

• Publisher: Praeger
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9781440837944
• eBook ISBN: 9798216075936
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Sociology
• Index: Social Sciences

Using historical and current examples from film, television, literature, advertisements, and music, this book reveals the ways that rape and abuse are typically presented—and misrepresented—and 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.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Series Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• 1. Beyond Stupid Sluts and Innocent Children: Describing Victims
• 2. Domestic Terrorists and Strangers in the Bushes: Describing Offenders
• 3. Tornados Meeting Volcanos and Asking for It: Myths about Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault
• 4. Evil, Ill, or Controlling: Exploring Depictions of Criminological Theory
• 5. Calling the Cops and a Day in Court: Depictions of Criminal Justice Responses
• 6. Getting over It or Taking Matters into Your Own Hands: Victim and Other Responses
• Conclusion
• Appendix A: Films, Documentaries, Songs, and Popular Books Featuring Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault
• Appendix B: Recommended Resources on Rape, Domestic Abuse, and Popular Culture
• Index
• About the Author