Sex as Crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Sex as Crime - Essay Example Similarly, sex as crime becomes highly obvious in a critical analysis of rape which is another type of sexual assault against females and it is more regular a practice in the modern society. Therefore, a reflective analysis of rape and domestic violence in relation to sex as crime assumes several themes and values such as humanist, minimalist, tolerant, responsible, and pro-feminist. Such an analysis also includes an investigation of the advantages and disadvantages of legislation and government control in the areas of rape and sexual violence. Significantly, "it remains the case that 'sex crime' (defined in its broadest sense to include issues such as soliciting, violence against sex workers, rape in war, internet grooming) is often considered to be less important, both legally and academically, than issues such as policing, community safety, white-collar crime and imprisonment. It is also fair to say that, given the current backlash against feminism, these issues are further margi nalised. Critical study in this area challenges both the workings of the criminal justice system and definitions of 'traditional' criminology." (Letherby, 5) Therefore, a pro-feminist and gender-sensitive approach to these issues highlights the problems with the stereotypical definitions of genderless 'sex crime'. A reflective analysis of rape and domestic violence in the contemporary world emphasises that the concept of 'sex as crime' is an essential one which covers several areas of criminal justice system and social issues. The concept of 'sex as crime' and rape and domestic violence The concept of 'sex as crime' in relation to rape and domestic violence assumes prominent role in the criminal justice system as well as policy matter. Significantly, rape and domestic violence against women became one of the most crucial policy priorities in the UK by the year 2000 as a result of the tree-decades long feminist campaigning. Contemporary investigations and researches reveal that the issues of rape and domestic violence have increased tremendously and there is poor handling of these issues in the criminal justice system. In fact, there is no other crime than rape which is handled more defectively by the criminal justice system and it is also under-reported crime. Whereas the vast majority of rape victims do not report the sexual attacks on them, it is also significant that the prosecution rate of rape cases is also much lower than other serious crimes. In fact, rape is a special type of sex crime where the case of the victim is much more serious than what is commonly p erceived. "As a crime, rape is in a class by itself; in the experience of the crime, in people's response to the victim and in the law enforcement skills needed to investigate and prosecute the crime Unlike victims of any other crime, rape victims are often subject to concerted ostracizing, disbelief, and blame. Hostilities against the victim quickly gather steam. These hostilities are frequently bolstered by powerful (male dominated) institutions such as schools, churches, businesses, families, and authorities." (Sex Crimes: Police Response and Investigation) Therefore, the issue of