Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

What happens when the “no means no” philosophy of physical relationships is ignored? Can the victim be seriously considered a “victim” of sexual assault? What is the difference between sexual assault and rape? How do we regain ownership of our own bodies and minds in circumstances of sexual assault? In Unsafe On Any Campus? College Sexual Assault and What We Can Do About It, Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D. (with a Foreword by Ruth Krug) reports disturbing facts about campus security and safety across the country. Staley provides thorough details and statistics that make this a combination textbook, self-help guide that could easily be used in study groups, book clubs, and classrooms. Sexual predators are everywhere, but especially in high count on college and university campuses.

With the use of popular big screen references, Staley compares common sexual behavior to blockbuster movies easily relatable to college students. Using Christian Grey (Fifty Shades of Grey) as an example of a modern-day sexual predator, we see the impact made upon impressionable students struggling with their identity at this age. Fortunately Grey’s counterpart is a strong, independent woman who somehow realizes that she is worth more than being a pawn in a sick, sexual game. Unfortunately, though, even with innocent examples of James Bond beauties and Rocky Balboa’s effects on his lady love, sexual assault seems to be at the root of every story. Staley states, “We need to move beyond stereotypes and prejudices that are perpetuated by old information and outdated perspectives.” The public view of predator behavior changes every day.