The Gift of Fear is a book about assessing and predicting various forms of violence, including sexual violence. Subjects such as rape, attempted rape, sexual harassment, and stalking are discussed at length. Many detailed individual anecdotes of sexual violence are given, although the acts themselves are not described. Some of these anecdotes involve children. The sexual violence in this book is handled respectfully and the survivors are treated with care and sympathy. It is not the centerpiece of the book nor is it used for gratuitous shock value. However, the detailed and extensive descriptions of sexual violence and harassment have the potential to distress some readers.