rape in marriage/rape by a partner

Rape in marriage was criminalised as recently as 1982 in Scotland and 1991 in England. Before these dates a woman had no legal protection for the crime of rape perpetrated against her by her husband.

A woman should always have the right to say no to sex, regardless of whether she has previously had consensual sex with the man or not. Forced intercourse within marriage or a relationship is still rape.

There are many reasons why a woman may remain in a relationship where such abuse is taking place:

• pressure from society to stay
• to prevent disruption to any children
• lack of viable alternatives e.g. financial constraints
• fear that leaving might incite further violence
• shame about speaking out about what has happened
• many women cannot admit, even to themselves, that their husband or partner is raping them
• women may blame themselves for what is happening
• women may still have feelings for their abusers or feel convinced that they will change

Follow @RapeCrisisEandW