Drawing on the most recent studies, this collection of articles assesses and evaluates current criminal justice responses, policies, and practices regarding sexual violence in the United States and Canada. Focusing on methodological and ideological issues, rape law reform, criminal justice responses, social contexts of sexual assault, and community responses, authors from the fields of sociology, criminal justice, law, counseling, anthropology, biology, and psychology provide detailed studies of the problems and challenges involved in this very sensitive and important issue. The broad perspective provides readers with a comprehensive introduction to the current state of criminal justice responses to sexual assault as well as the changes and progress being made in the area. By providing such extensive coverage, the volume also offers readers a guide to the very nature and extent of sexual violence and its consequences.

As we enter the 21st century, numerous changes have occurred within the criminal justice system and society's understanding of rape as a crime of violence. Significant reforms have emerged in both the United States and Canada in terms of how various institutions respond to the crime of rape and the needs of rape survivors. This progress demands an evaluation of the current state of pressing issues regarding the many facets of sexual assault. Kelley and Hodgson offer original contributions from both American and Canadian scholars and practitioners from several social science disciplines in an effort to provide a critical assessment of a timely and important issue.