Bring those accused of a crime to justice ought to be a paramount goal for any functioning criminal justice system. Violence against woman has plagued different jurisdiction for centuries. However, as an evolved and enlightened society it would be right to expect that this problem to have subsided as our investigations, pre-trial processes and complaint care has improved and evolved. However, as this book readily expresses—there are myriad issues and concerns surrounding the investigation, prosecution and conviction of those accused of sexual offences. In England and Wales alone, there were 52,210 rapes recorded by the police in 2020. Only 843 resulted in a charge or summons—which is an appalling rate of 1.6%. Cases of rape and sexual assault are undoubtedly some of the most challenging and sensitive to prosecute. However, it is clear much more needs to be done in terms of how complainants are treated by those investigating the alleged offence, the pre-trial process and the trial itself. As this book illustrates, problems surrounding this area are not exclusively problematic for England and Wales. This collection offers insight and perspectives from Turkey, Greece, The Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Republic of Croatia and Serbia—all of whom express deep concern regarding this problematic area. The book is timely and not only looks at difficulties with the law around sexual offences but also how complainants can be better protected and respected as well. These are interwoven issues in this field and needs better recognition. The book goes some way to illuminate these issues and offers examples on how reform can take place. Policy makers around the globe as an issue have recognized gender-based violence and yet, still not enough is being done to tackle this issue and protect those who make allegations of crimes. It is likely this problem has been exasperated by the COVID-19 restrictions and the enforced ‘lockdown’ around the world. Effectively, complainants have been locked in their homes with their attacker. As highlighted in this book, the violence suffered can take many different forms. But it is clear than the powerful issues advanced by this collection needs an equally powerful answer from policy makers.

Ed Johnston, University of Northampton

The book edited by Rahime Erbas faces a global challenge: the “dangerous liaison” between gender stereotypes and criminal law in response to sexual offenses. By carrying out a comprehensive and in-depth analysis, the book offers inspiring insights into high attrition and low reporting rates of sexual offences. Due to the socio-cultural roots of the phenomenon, it is clear that criminal justice response risks being insufficient, as a determined cultural change is the linchpin of the contrast to gender-based violence.

Valentina Bonini, Pisa University