Product Description

Rape crisis centres have provided the most effective and valued source of support for survivors of rape in Britain ever since the centres were developed as part of the women s movement of the 1970s. Yet now, at the same time as Britain is failing survivors of rape in the courts, there is also a threat to the work delivered through the centres. For anyone who wants to understand how we reached this point of crisis, or who wants to be able to respond, this book helpfully provides: · an understanding of the strengths that these centres can add to how we respond to rape in our society · an explanation of the knowledge, ideas and skills that comprise the centres unique model of support · an account of the rape crisis movement s struggles in starting and sustaining the centres. · a permanent record of the philosophies and ideas that underpinned the founding of the original centres, and a history of how they have changed and evolved over 30 years. Too few people know about the centres or how they are run. This book documents the work and story of rape crisis in England and Wales, drawing comparisons with similar centres and networks in Scotland and Ireland. It provides the reader, whether an interested individual, a student or academic, a professional or voluntary worker, with a flavour of the original rape crisis work, and assesses its actual and potential value, here and now. Practical ideas for ways forward, which often mean learning the tools of survival during the current times of change, are presented, and can help ensure that there will be rape crisis centres for as long as there are women who need the specialist support that they offer. Thank goodness this book has been written! At last there is an opportunity for those outside the movement to learn about some of our work and hopefully understand our motivations. Rape Crisis: Responding to Sexual Violence represents a tentative opening of a door that has been largely shut for three decades. It documents the Rape Crisis movement s simultaneously depressing and inspiring journey. Depressing because it highlights the myriad of problems faced by even the strongest of centres. Depressing because it emphasises the ubiquitous nature of rape. Depressing because it represents reality we simply do not have enough Rape Crisis Centres left to provide the support that every survivor needs and deserves... Yet also a testament to the strength of so many women. Brave, dedicated, focused women who have a vision of a world free from rape. Passionate women for whom the term good enough does not feature within their vocabulary. Adapted from the Preface by Dr Nicole Westmarland, Chair of Rape Crisis (England and Wales).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #345347 in Books
• Published on: 2008-06-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 123 pages

About the Author
Dr Helen Jones hates to be put in a box but will describe herself as a feminist, teacher, researcher, writer, website monkey and activist. She has taught in universities in the UK and the US and is currently employed at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she works with some of the brightest students in the country. There she teaches on a range of criminology and criminal justice topics and enjoys introducing her students to issues that really matter in the world. This, combined with feminist activism, has seen Helen involved in the Home Office Sex Offences Review, the Victims of Violence and Abuse Prevention Programme (VVAPP) and the Inter-Ministerial Advisory Panel on Sexual Violence. Over the years she has been a collective member and unpaid consultant to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre in Merseyside and often speaks about the rape crisis movement at conferences, on the radio and in the press but doesn t like being on television. Dr Kate Cook is a radical feminist activist, who is also a lesbian, a teacher and a writer. She began working in rape crisis as a volunteer in 1990, after a summer school for the legendary OU women s studies course The Changing Experience of Women . Her experience duly changed at that point and she became a busy member of the Manchester Rape Crisis collective, acting as a support worker as well as becoming involved in all of the aspects of running the centre, from painting and maintenance through to training volunteers and outside speaking. Through this work she has met a number of wonderful women (including Helen), many of whom have contributed to this volume. She has also developed some skills which she tries to give back to the movement through continued links with rape crisis, through campaigning work with CER; TAR and JFW and through her teaching. At various times Kate has also been a member of the Manchester Women s Liberation Newsletter and Eve s Back.

Customer Reviews

A fascinating history
This book is so much more than a history of the birth and evolution of Rape Crisis! This book is a fascinating, powerful examination of the socio-political dynamic underpinning Society's responses to sexual violence against women. Exploding the myths that surround rape and sexual abuse, it offers a radical, truthful insight into why the justice-system is so dismally failing women, at every turn. This book provides a cogent and compelling argument for its radical feminist standpoint and a 'living dynamic' that offers women both practical support and knowledge! Pat Craven Freedom Programme

Fantastic much needed new book
This is a phenomenal and much needed new book... written with insight and clarity.... highlighting all the key issues... a must read for anyone interested in the area.