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.

Addresses both positive and negative depictions of domestic abuse and sexual assault from recent popular culture, utilizing examples from film, television, literature, music, advertisements, and more

Presents information that is ideal for undergraduate courses in gender studies, sociology, and psychology as well as communications and popular culture classes

Utilizes the most current research on dating and domestic and sexual violence to clearly demonstrate the importance of how these issues and crimes are depicted in popular culture

Provides a comprehensive appendix of additional resources that directs students in investigating the topic further