A critique of popular, legal, and scientific explanations of rape notes the contributions made by antirape groups in debunking some myths and defending other myths. Types of sexual crimes, including sexual harassment, are discussed. Casual theories predominant among criminologists, socioligists, and feminist authors are examined critically. A comparative analysis of rape laws considers current political and economic issues that determine outlooks on how to prevent and control rape. The link between changing views of private property and legal developments is explored. An examination of the history of rape asserts that rape is not universal and discusses the sexist relationships imposed on some gentle tribes by European colonizers and their religious, political, and economic institutions. The relationships between rape, sexual inequality, and socioeconomic relations are explored, with emphasis on the sexual inequality and violence resulting from exploitative model of production culminating in precapitalist class societies. The relationship of rape to other forms of violence is also considered. Chapters on rape prevention suggest strategies to support sexual equality at home and in the labor market and to work against cultural influences promoting violent behavior toward women. Harsher penal sanctions are rejected as a source of further lawlessness and disorder. Deterrence of rape in particular localities through self-defense strategies and swift apprehension and conviction of rapists is also suggested. Figures, chapter notes, an index, and 200 references are supplied.