Sans consentement
by Jon Krakauer
8.24 / 10 61K ratings
- Language
- French
- Published
- 2017
- Publisher
- 10-18
- Pages
- 496
- ISBN
- 9782264071118
Missoula, Montana, appears as an idyllic college town, home to a respected university and a beloved football team. Beneath this surface, Jon Krakauer uncovers a disturbing prevalence of sexual assault, meticulously investigating the experiences of several female students who reported these crimes. He details the nights of their assaults, their subsequent fear and self-doubt, and the complexities of navigating the justice system.
Drawing on first-person interviews, police reports, court transcripts, and university proceedings, Krakauer examines why sexual assaults are common on American campuses and why victims often face skepticism from authorities and the public. The book exposes systemic failures within the legal and academic institutions to adequately address sexual violence, particularly in cases of acquaintance rape. This investigation illuminates the profound impact on survivors and challenges prevailing societal attitudes, demanding a re-evaluation of how sexual violence is understood and handled.
Drawing on first-person interviews, police reports, court transcripts, and university proceedings, Krakauer examines why sexual assaults are common on American campuses and why victims often face skepticism from authorities and the public. The book exposes systemic failures within the legal and academic institutions to adequately address sexual violence, particularly in cases of acquaintance rape. This investigation illuminates the profound impact on survivors and challenges prevailing societal attitudes, demanding a re-evaluation of how sexual violence is understood and handled.
Original edition
MissoulaOriginally published in 2015 English Doubleday
Other editions (23)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
Missoula, Montana, a town nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, often evokes images of pristine wilderness and a vibrant college atmosphere. Yet, beneath this picturesque surface lies a darker truth, a pervasive pattern of sexual assault that has long been obscured by institutional failures and societal complacency. This is not merely a story of a few isolated incidents, but a stark examination of how a community, its revered university, and its justice system often fail those who suffer the most.
The narrative plunges into the experiences of several young women, each grappling with the aftermath of sexual violence, often at the hands of men they knew, sometimes even friends. We meet Allison Huguet, a young woman who endures a rape by her childhood friend, Beau Donaldson, after a party in 2010. The immediate trauma of the assault is compounded by the daunting decision of whether to report it, a choice fraught with fear and uncertainty. Allison's journey through the labyrinthine legal system, from the forensic examination to the complex legal battles, lays bare the systemic shortcomings in handling acquaintance rape cases.
As the stories unfold, a troubling pattern emerges, particularly concerning the University of Montana and its celebrated football team, the Grizzlies. The book reveals how the status of athletes often seemed to grant them a degree of immunity, influencing how allegations were investigated, or often, swept aside. The cases, like that of Cecilia Washburn, who accused star quarterback Jordan Johnson of rape, highlight the immense pressure on victims and the severe backlash they faced from a community fiercely loyal to its team. Despite compelling evidence, Johnson was acquitted in state court, a verdict that painfully underscored the challenges of prosecuting acquaintance rape and the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard.
The journey for justice is often a brutal one, marked by skepticism from law enforcement, invasive questioning from defense attorneys, and public vilification. Victims are frequently subjected to intense scrutiny, their credibility questioned, and their personal lives laid bare in court, exacerbating their trauma. The book meticulously details how these institutional responses, from the reluctance of prosecutors to pursue charges to the aggressive tactics of defense lawyers, often retraumatize survivors and perpetuate a culture where accountability remains elusive.
The Department of Justice, in an investigation between 2008 and 2012, found that hundreds of sexual assaults reported to Missoula police were mishandled by both the university and local authorities, revealing a systemic breakdown. This failure extended beyond individual cases, exposing a broader cultural denial of rape and a system that prioritized the reputation of institutions over the well-being of its most vulnerable members.
Ultimately, the stories from Missoula serve as a microcosm of a national crisis, illustrating why sexual assault remains so prevalent on college campuses and why so many victims are reluctant to come forward. The courage and resilience of the women who fought for justice, despite immense personal cost and often disappointing outcomes, shine through, demanding a re-evaluation of how society understands, investigates, and prosecutes sexual violence. It is a call for systemic change, for greater accountability, and for a cultural shift that places the rights and healing of survivors above all else.
The narrative plunges into the experiences of several young women, each grappling with the aftermath of sexual violence, often at the hands of men they knew, sometimes even friends. We meet Allison Huguet, a young woman who endures a rape by her childhood friend, Beau Donaldson, after a party in 2010. The immediate trauma of the assault is compounded by the daunting decision of whether to report it, a choice fraught with fear and uncertainty. Allison's journey through the labyrinthine legal system, from the forensic examination to the complex legal battles, lays bare the systemic shortcomings in handling acquaintance rape cases.
As the stories unfold, a troubling pattern emerges, particularly concerning the University of Montana and its celebrated football team, the Grizzlies. The book reveals how the status of athletes often seemed to grant them a degree of immunity, influencing how allegations were investigated, or often, swept aside. The cases, like that of Cecilia Washburn, who accused star quarterback Jordan Johnson of rape, highlight the immense pressure on victims and the severe backlash they faced from a community fiercely loyal to its team. Despite compelling evidence, Johnson was acquitted in state court, a verdict that painfully underscored the challenges of prosecuting acquaintance rape and the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard.
The journey for justice is often a brutal one, marked by skepticism from law enforcement, invasive questioning from defense attorneys, and public vilification. Victims are frequently subjected to intense scrutiny, their credibility questioned, and their personal lives laid bare in court, exacerbating their trauma. The book meticulously details how these institutional responses, from the reluctance of prosecutors to pursue charges to the aggressive tactics of defense lawyers, often retraumatize survivors and perpetuate a culture where accountability remains elusive.
The Department of Justice, in an investigation between 2008 and 2012, found that hundreds of sexual assaults reported to Missoula police were mishandled by both the university and local authorities, revealing a systemic breakdown. This failure extended beyond individual cases, exposing a broader cultural denial of rape and a system that prioritized the reputation of institutions over the well-being of its most vulnerable members.
Ultimately, the stories from Missoula serve as a microcosm of a national crisis, illustrating why sexual assault remains so prevalent on college campuses and why so many victims are reluctant to come forward. The courage and resilience of the women who fought for justice, despite immense personal cost and often disappointing outcomes, shine through, demanding a re-evaluation of how society understands, investigates, and prosecutes sexual violence. It is a call for systemic change, for greater accountability, and for a cultural shift that places the rights and healing of survivors above all else.
What other readers say
Liked
This book is widely praised as a gripping, powerful, and necessary work of investigative journalism. Reviewers commend the author's engaging writing style, which makes a difficult subject accessible and informative. Many highlight its meticulous research, drawing directly from interview transcripts and court proceedings to expose systemic failures within law enforcement and the justice system regarding sexual assault cases. The book is seen as an important contribution to understanding rape culture, dispelling common myths, and shedding light on the complexities and traumatic aftermath faced by victims. Readers found it brutally honest, absorbing, and compelling, noting its ability to evoke strong emotional responses and inspire a desire for change.
Disliked
Despite its critical importance, some readers found the book to be a challenging and at times frustrating read. A recurring criticism points to the heavy reliance on court transcripts in the latter half, which some felt led to repetition and a lack of authorial synthesis or insight, occasionally bogging down the individual narratives. One reviewer found the book tedious and uninspired in parts, suggesting it focused too heavily on the victim's perspective without fully exploring other contributing factors, and that it reinforced some stereotypes. The graphic and emotionally charged nature of the content also made it a difficult experience for some, causing distress and requiring a slow pace of reading.
In short
Overall, the book is considered a vital and essential read, particularly recommended for high school and college students, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of sexual assault and the challenges victims face within the justice system. It is especially impactful for those who may hold misconceptions about rape, female consent, or the prevalence of false accusations. While emotionally taxing and at times repetitive in its detailing of legal processes, its powerful message and comprehensive examination of a critical societal issue make it a highly recommended and thought-provoking experience for readers willing to confront a painful but necessary truth.
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