Statutory response to sexual violence: where doubt is always considered reasonable

Book abstract: The Routledge Handbook of Gender and Violence provides both a comprehensive and authoritative state-of-the-art overview of the latest research in the field of gender and violence. Each of the 23 specially commissioned chapters develops and summarises their key issue or debate including rape, stalking, online harassment, domestic abuse, FGM, trafficking and prostitution in relation to gender and violence. They study violence against women, but also look at male victims and perpetrators as well as gay, lesbian and transgender violence.

The interdisciplinary nature of the subject area is highlighted, with authors spanning criminology, social policy, sociology, geography, health, media and law, alongside activists and members of statutory and third sector organisations. The diversity of perspectives all highlight that gendered violence is both an age-old and continuing social problem.

By drawing together leading scholars this handbook provides an up-to-the-minute snapshot of current scholarship as well as signposting several fruitful avenues for future research. This book is both an invaluable resource for scholars and an indispensable teaching tool for use in the classroom and will be of interest to students, academics, social workers and other professionals working to end gender-based violence.