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When the Subject Is Rape: A Guide for Male Partners, Friends & Family Members
Rape is, unfortunately, an all-too-common violent crime usually perpetrated against women. For victims, the process of sharing information about an assault with loves ones or reporting the crime to the police can be harrowing, embarrassing, and painful. The responses of others can greatly affect the way a rape survivor copes. Often the men who are closest to rape survivors―intimate partners, friends, and family members―are simply unprepared to offer the right assistance. The wrong word or action may trigger an unexpected reaction. Written by Alan W. McEvoy, PhD, When the Subject Is Rape is designed specifically to illustrate the role men can play as allies in a woman’s recovery from rape.
This book examines the many aspects of rape. It looks at both the short- and long-term emotional and psychological impacts rape can have on a woman, what she can expect during the prosecution of her rapist, and strategies that can help her to recover from the assault. It discusses how the men in her life should communicate with her and address her needs throughout her recovery, and describes how they should conduct themselves to avoid unintentionally causing her more pain. It also explains how to identify changes in behavior that may signal an undisclosed rape. Even if a rape goes unreported, both the emotional consequences and the need for support throughout the recovery process will still be present.
Rape is not an easy subject to discuss. Sexual violence can radically alter the course of a woman's life. By understanding the trauma associated with rape and other forms of sexual assault, men can play an important part in a woman's healing process. When the Subject Is Rape provides information that can help men to create a climate of support for the empowerment of women who are on the path to recovery.
This book examines the many aspects of rape. It looks at both the short- and long-term emotional and psychological impacts rape can have on a woman, what she can expect during the prosecution of her rapist, and strategies that can help her to recover from the assault. It discusses how the men in her life should communicate with her and address her needs throughout her recovery, and describes how they should conduct themselves to avoid unintentionally causing her more pain. It also explains how to identify changes in behavior that may signal an undisclosed rape. Even if a rape goes unreported, both the emotional consequences and the need for support throughout the recovery process will still be present.
Rape is not an easy subject to discuss. Sexual violence can radically alter the course of a woman's life. By understanding the trauma associated with rape and other forms of sexual assault, men can play an important part in a woman's healing process. When the Subject Is Rape provides information that can help men to create a climate of support for the empowerment of women who are on the path to recovery.
168 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 22, 2023
A timely and much needed support guide - how men can help in the recovery
Michigan author Alan W. McEvoy earned his PhD in sociology from Western Michigan University and serves on the faculty of Northern Michigan University as department head of Sociology and Anthropology. He is an authority on such pungent topics as partner abuse, child abuse, youth suicide, bullying, and rape - the theme of this volume. The timing of this important publication could not be more propitious: the topic of sexual harassment has become a constant in the news and media. Dr. McEvoy provides better understanding of the implications, complexities, and the need for comprehension of the impact of rape and sexual abuse on victims and especially on those who support the victim.
The impact of this crime of rape is extended to the men in the lives of the women victims, providing both information about the effect of the act and the litigation associated with it together with a guide to understanding all aspects of the effects on women, allowing men to assume supportive roles in the recovery from the assault. As the author succinctly states, ‘men can acquire an empathetic understanding of the complexities of rape and its recovery process,’ This is a strong book that offers a complete overview of the violent crime of rape and its effects on all who may provide support. Very highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
Michigan author Alan W. McEvoy earned his PhD in sociology from Western Michigan University and serves on the faculty of Northern Michigan University as department head of Sociology and Anthropology. He is an authority on such pungent topics as partner abuse, child abuse, youth suicide, bullying, and rape - the theme of this volume. The timing of this important publication could not be more propitious: the topic of sexual harassment has become a constant in the news and media. Dr. McEvoy provides better understanding of the implications, complexities, and the need for comprehension of the impact of rape and sexual abuse on victims and especially on those who support the victim.
The impact of this crime of rape is extended to the men in the lives of the women victims, providing both information about the effect of the act and the litigation associated with it together with a guide to understanding all aspects of the effects on women, allowing men to assume supportive roles in the recovery from the assault. As the author succinctly states, ‘men can acquire an empathetic understanding of the complexities of rape and its recovery process,’ This is a strong book that offers a complete overview of the violent crime of rape and its effects on all who may provide support. Very highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
September 12, 2023
A brave, necessary, and likely helpful early foray into a taboo subject. Although I'm no subject-matter expert, the advice sounded plausible and useful. My two critiques are that it should probably have included a section focusing on cisgender male victims of rape and their needs, and also a better balance on the possibility of post-traumatic growth. McEvoy seems to have been trying to walk a delicate line between offering hope and recognizing the permanent impacts of rape, and fell just a little far on the hope side for me. I have no doubt we will see perpetrators use "this offers my victim(s) a chance for post-traumatic growth; I was doing them a favor" defense at some point. Still, it's a valuable resource and early attempt on the subject, and that's to be congratulated.
PS. It feels weird to give a star rated of "how much I liked it" to a book on this kind of subject matter. I went with rating it by likely usefulness.
PS. It feels weird to give a star rated of "how much I liked it" to a book on this kind of subject matter. I went with rating it by likely usefulness.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews