Phipps, Alison ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9476-6848 (2010) Violent and victimized bodies: Sexual violence policy in England and Wales. Critical Social Policy, 30 (3). pp. 359-383.

Preview

Text Phipps_CSParticle_final.pdf - Accepted Version Download (239kB) | Preview

Abstract

This paper uses the notion of the body to frame an archaeology (Foucault, 1972) of sexual violence policy in England and Wales, applying and developing Pillow’s (2003) ideas. It argues that the dominant construction is of sexual violence as an individualised crime, with the solution being for a survivor to report, and with support often instrumentalised in relation to criminal justice objectives. However, criminal justice proceedings can intensify or create further trauma for sexual violence survivors. Furthermore, in addition to criminalising the violent body and supporting the victimised one, there is a need for policy to produce alternative types of bodies through preventative interventions. Much sexual violence is situated within (hetero)sexual dynamics constructing a masculine aggressor and a feminine body which eventually yields. Prevention must therefore focus on developing embodied boundaries, and narratives at the margins of policy could underpin such efforts.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.1177/0261018310367673
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
School/Department:	School of Humanities
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/12642

University Staff: Request a correction | RaY Editors: Update this record