by Alan W. McEvoy, PhD
There have been strong recent shifts in our culture concerning sexual assault. Individuals who have experienced sexual assault are coming forward and demanding justice for the harm done. While this is a positive change, it can leave the men in their lives unsure of what support would be most helpful. The title reviewed here explores this very topic and helps men find ways to better understand and support all victims of sexual assault, though McEvoy focuses mainly on female victims of sexual assault.
When the Subject Is Rape explores the multiple avenues of support that can assist someone who has experienced sexual assault and imparts advice to the male support people in their lives. Author Alan W. McEvoy also outlines practical tips like conversation topics and how to handle court or medical proceedings, while also giving more abstract suggestions and challenges for inner exploration. This book also addresses male support people’s common responses and explains how they may not be helpful in certain situations. At the end of the book, the author includes contact information for different help lines and centers for sexual assault for the United States and other countries and regions. This can be a tremendous resource for so many types of male allies and support people.
A major strength of this book is the psychoeducation around sexual assault. This includes definitions of sexual assault and other medical or legal terms that an individual might encounter. Other strengths include outlining what a sexual assault victim may go through in the legal system and how a support person can assist in some of these events. The author also addresses the different responses that an individual might display after an assault and outlines the decision-making process that these individuals go through regarding next steps and protecting their safety.
While this book offers many helpful insights and much guidance, I find it would benefit from the inclusion of first-hand accounts or stories. All of the information shared with the reader is seemingly based on the author’s opinion or experience as a clinician, but this is not fully explained by the author. First-hand accounts could strengthen and validate the advice that McEvoy shares with his readers. Additionally, the author discusses many difficult dynamics within sexual assault, including hate crimes and assault by a sibling. While these topics are incredibly important to explore and address, there are some topics (assault by a parent/stepparent), that I believe could be addressed more thoroughly by the author.
This book could have strong positive impacts in counseling practice. While there are many helpful resources for clients who are the survivors of sexual assault, this title offers practical advice for men who are a part of a survivor’s support network. When these clients come into our office, it can be hard to find resources that address their unique needs. McEvoy’s book offers both clients and clinicians a road map of what to expect as they assist someone through their grief and trauma, and practical tips on what to do in certain situations. In my own practice, I would use this title as a reference for clients who care for someone who experienced sexual assault, and as a resource that a victim of sexual assault could give to a loved one so they can better assist during recovery.
Overall, When the Subject Is Rape is a helpful starting point for all types of support people, not just men. This includes mental health professionals working with victims of sexual assault and family members or friends who want to better understand and assist someone they love as they navigate the next stages of their life following sexual assault.
McEvoy, A. W. (2023). When the subject is rape: A guide for male partners, friends & family members. Square One Publishers.
Reviewed by: Amanda Condic, MA, NCC, LPC
