Rape is one of the most common crimes committed against women and one that has a devastating effect. It is a sexual act done without the consent of the victim. Quite often, though, this is committed by men who may not have any personal relationship with the woman involved.
Among married couples these days, many wives have complained about being raped by their spouses. For them, they feel they become a victim of rape when their husband forces them to have sex without their consent or permission.
Marital rape is an issue faced by numerous wives worldwide. It is considered an intimate partner violence wherein the spouse attempts to establish control over the other. In fact, studies have shown that this form of rape is more traumatizing physically and emotionally compared to rape committed by a stranger.
Outlawed in Most Countries
Reports have it that marital rape is punishable by law in some 104 countries around the globe. While some outlawed the act in the 1960s, the others criminalized spousal rape much later. The U.S. outlawed it in the late 1970s. Before that, forced sex was considered to be a wifely duty and that real rape was one done by a stranger only. It was in the year 1993 when every state in the U.S. declared that raping a spouse as a criminal act.
In Europe, rape in marriage is considered a crime in certain countries. The act was considered criminal in Scotland 1982 and in 1991 in England. Previous to that, a married woman did not have any form of legal protection from rape committed by her husband.
Adverse Effects
Marital rape, similar to one done by a stranger, has long term negative effects on a woman and even her children. Research has shown that a wife may suffer longer trauma following a rape by her partner. Factors that can lead to this are inability of the victim to share the pain and great disappointment over the betrayal of trust.
Married women are also more likely to experience repeated assaults. It may even become a routine kind of abuse with the wife suffering from violence in different ways. As an example, a wife may be forced to have sex as a way for her husband to make up after a fight that may involve verbal and physically violence.
A wife who is not employed and who is financially dependent on her husband may be pressured to stay in the relationship despite the abuse. Non-working wives often feel they cannot simply leave for fear of not having any money to spend for their daily needs. The wife’s family and friends may also advice her to remain with the husband which leads to added pressure.
Children will be most affected as well particularly if they witness the act or any form of physical violence. They’re the innocent victims in this case which can be very traumatic.
Image via rsc.org
About the guest author:
Adam Schults is a professional blogger that discusses various legal topics. He writes for Musca Law, a leading law firm in Florida.
Originally posted on August 19, 2013 @ 8:36 pm