The Date Rape Prevention Book (Paperback)

~ Lindquist (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A crime specialist who frequently gives rape prevention seminars, Lindquist writes in a streetwise voice that will be familiar to those who watch police programs on television, yet that does not mask the genuine sensitivity and sympathy he feels for women who are the victims of rape or attempted rape. Written for men and women of all ages, his book is formatted simply, with easy-to-follow chapters outlining prevention strategies and survival techniques. His advice mixes common sense (follow your instincts) and a degree of caution that can border on paranoia (anybody could be a rapist; trust no one; pour your own drinks--even if you are having soda--and never finish a drink you have left unattended). Still, the book succeeds in three areas. First, it dispels myths about rapists, pointing out that the vast majority are white, middle-class males who attack women they know, often without recognizing that they are committing rape. It also reiterates that nonconsensual sex, even between acquaintances, is a crime that can and--if the survivor is emotionally able to do so--should be prosecuted. Finally, it does not excuse rape by blaming the victim. Detailed sections identifying behaviors that may suggest a man may be dangerous, as well as delicate recommendations on how to treat a survivor and a chapter aimed at men that calls for an end to violence, are particularly helpful. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA-An important, readable book for all young adults. Lindquist informs readers that a woman is five times more likely to be raped by someone she knows than by a stranger. The first and largest section addresses prevention. Lindquist lists defensive actions a victim can take, dangerous situations to avoid, personality types and actions of potential rapists, and verbalizations that a potential victim can make to lessen her easy-target persona. The second section offers help for those who have suffered the degradation of date rape. How to avoid tampering with potential evidence, why the crime should be reported, how to deal with the police and the court system, and how to go about recovering are all discussed in a compassionate manner. A third section explains harassment, stalking, and dating and domestic violence-what to look for and how to deal with it. The final section addresses male readers and discusses the underlying themes that are so pervasive in movies and the media: that women "ask for it" or "tease" or "don't really mean NO" and are therefore responsible for their own attacks. A well-done and informative presentation that debunks many commonly held beliefs about rape, its victims, and its perpetrators.
Carol DeAngelo, Kings Park Library, Burke, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc. (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570714746
• ISBN-13: 978-1570714740
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #122,365 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential Information for Avoiding Danger from Acquaintances, March 23, 2001

By	Professor Donald Mitchell "Jesus Makes Me a P... (Boston) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

This book contains the essential information that women and girls need to know about the high risk of being physically threatened and sexually assaulted by a "respectable" person they know. The book does a great job of describing the circumstances under which rape is likely to occur, and what women and men are thinking and doing tht encourages this awful event. I especially liked the way that he redefined rape into "a partial murder." I encourage every female and their parents and friends to read and practice what is contained in this book.

Almost all rape occurs between two people who know one another. So while most women would be careful around strangers, late at night, and while alone, paradoxically that's when they are actually safest from being raped. The most likely rapist is an intelligent, successful white middle class male who has screwy ideas about women. These ideas probably include the fact that if he becomes aroused, he believes it's his right to force sex on the woman no matter what she says. In interviews, fraternity males reported that they only took a woman seriously after she said "no" more than thirty times. If you are in fear for your life, are you really going to be that persistent?

The book is filled with good advice on how to spot one of these mixed-up males. I was interested to learn that many men who have committed rape don't think that they have. That's how serious this problem is.

Women need to be more careful than ever around acquaintances. Easy availability of indiscernable drugs that can cause a woman to pass out means that women need to pour their own drinks (even if they are water) and keep an eye on them. Almost all of the rapes by acquaintances also involve use of alcohol or drugs.

The book also explores the problems of recovering from a rape, dealing with stalkers, and avoiding domestic violence.

An excellent final chapter speaks directly to men, and challenges the assumptions that some men use to justify rape.

The only part of the book that I did not like was a section on how to fight back. It has a list of some pretty gruesome things to do. I thought that this list would discourage women from using these methods, rather than encouraging them. They basically encourage permanently maiming the male in horrible ways. I suggest a self-defense course instead that focuses on developing habits of how to react under the circumstances. My wife and older daughter have both done this, and found it provides more confidence.

If you are like me, you will find it chilling to read the cases of successful, handsome men who could attract all the female sexual interest they could handle . . . who raped women anyway. Rape is usually about power rather than sex.

The really scary statistics in this book relate to the fact that only 5 percent of acquaintance rapes are being reported. Apparently, men who rape and get away with it will rape again, and again, and again. The book reports that one woman in three will have this horrible experience at least once, a waking nightmare made worse by the fact that she knows the rapist.

If we had a disease this serious, we would be spending billions to stop it. It's time that we get serious about preventing rape! Yet recovering from rape is much worse than recovering from most surgeries.

I suggest that you take this opportunity to think of other ways that acquaintances can create problems. Some people prey financially on those they know. Others steal. Still others poison relationships on purpose to their own advantage. Think about it . . . and act from an appropriate wariness.

Enjoy life, by pursuing caution!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars the date rape prevention book: the essential guide for girls, April 11, 2000

By A Customer

Scott Lindquist has written an extremely practical, easy-to-read book packed with good advice. As a professional, he has many statistics and case histories to back up his advice. Working with college women, I see every day the huge need and vulnerability that this book addresses. I have already passed the advice on to some students. I highly recommend this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read, August 26, 2002

By	"alanabooks" (Watertown, MA United States) - See all my reviews

Educating young men and women about date rape is an essential part of a civilized society. Teaching young girls about rape, and how to reduce their chances based on observance, facts, and self-defense is crucial. Therefore, buying this book for teenage girls is a good idea.

This is not to say the author is blaming the victim... but rather that a person is able to empower themselves to learn more about this epidemic crime that is hardly ever reported or prosecuted, and learn how to assess a situation where normally she would suppress her radar in order to appear agreeable.

The idea of knowing more about this crime as he outlines in this book, and arming yourself with basic self-defense techniques (both verbal and physical) could especially be helpful in a date-rape situation where the case is normally that the victim knows the attacker.