Women on rape

"Statistics have shown that rape is amongst the most feared of all possible crimes -- literally a 'fate worse than death.' But bald statistics cannot show the background to that fear. Is it simply fear of the crime itself? Or is it also a fear of the aftermath and repercussions -- the reactions of friends, partners, the police and the courts? Because, while a change in the law may alter official rulings on the crime of rape, individual attitudes are as deeply-rooted and unchanging as the fear of the rape itself. Jane Dowdeswell has spoken with women of all ages -- some victims of an attack, some not -- about their fears, anger and attitudes to a crime which, by its very nature, will always be difficult to talk about. It is their comments which make this book unique, providing practical and emotional insights for all women in the most immediate and personal way possible. Here, too, rounding out a complex and often controversial subject, are the comments of those bound up in the issue -- doctors, police and partners. This broad scope of first-hand experience and advice is complemented by honest, sensible and supportive help for the victim and those around her should the worst already have happened, aiming to ease the passage back from trauma to a normal life as caringly as possible." -- Back cover.