ABSTRACT
This book was born out of the frustrations and opportunities of living and working as a philosopher in a context characterized by pressing, sometimes overwhelming, social and material needs. It was born out of an optimistic instinct that philosophical theory can and should make a contribution to solving systemic social problems such as high levels of rape and sexual violence. The world of philosophy often feels far removed from the world of violence, murder and callous neglect that unfolds daily on the front pages of our newspapers. I never feel the futility of the work I do as strongly as when I follow the heart-wrenching days’ long search for another missing girl. I can feel only impotent rage when she is found at last, usually both raped and murdered.
