The scope of the problem in England and Wales is discussed, and suggestions are made for victim services and sentencing reform. The dynamics of the victim-offender relationship in incest and other forms of child sexual abuse are examined, and the potential negative impact of parental and criminal justice system reactions to the abuse is considered. An analysis of violence against and by prostitutes in Toronto, Canada, focuses on social control forces that place men in a position of dominance. A symbolic interactionist interpretation of rape and sexual assault then is presented that suggests that these offenses represent exaggerations of power and aggression found in more generalized interactions between the sexes. The next four papers examine the roles of professionals dealing with rape and sexual assault victims. Results are presented of a study of the physician versus law enforcement roles of police surgeons in rape examinations. A crisis intervention training program for New York City sex crime investigators is described, and the importance of recognizing and dealing with loss and mourning reactions in crisis intervention and other forms of victim therapy is discussed. Finally, the role of the judiciary in contributing to or hindering improved treatment of victims in the English court is considered. Name and subject indexes and approximately 200 references.