Body Autonomy in Marriage

While it seems like we’ve come a long way, a quick flip through recent history shows up how recent some of our more progressive strides have been. For instance, it wasn’t until 1993 that all 50 state finally managed to do away with the ‘marital rape exception.’

The deepest psychological cut occurs when someone you trust betrays you. This concept goes all the way back through history with some house-hold names of well-known examples. And when it’s a spouse that takes advantage of trust, the pain is not only deep, but it’s continual. Also known as spousal rape, the term refers to the action of forcing or manipulating your partner into engaging in unwanted intercourse. In other words, it’s sexual assault- except the violator considers themselves justified in getting away with it because they’re married.

Why Spousal Rape is Illegal

This “justification” is not only unethical, it’s strictly illegal. Spousal rape falls into a category known as intimate partner violence. Even if the action isn’t violently coerced, if the sexual act was unwanted, it’s a violation of the victim’s choice.

Anyone who believes they were involved in an intimate domestic violence situation should get help. Talk to experienced sex crimes attorneys to find out your rights. Marital rape is illegal, and it’s often linked with other domestic abuse behaviors.

At this point, for instance, your partner may be trying to guilt or coerce you into having sex. When that doesn’t work, the next step is usually threats or deception. They might try to get you drunk or drug you so they can avoid an argument.

Non-consensual sex acts are illegal, whether you’re dating, married, or unknown to each other. Rape is rape, regardless of the paperwork or relationships that tie two people together.

The Statistics on Spousal Rape

Although people assume spousal rape happens in marriages or serious relationships, that isn’t the whole picture. This type of sexual assault crosses gender, race, and socioeconomic boundaries. Anyone can be a victim, and anyone can be a perpetrator.

The facts speak for this truth. In the United States alone, nearly 20% of women and 2% of men have admitted to being raped. In intimate partner violence, 45% of female partners were perpetrators, and 20% of males facilitated the act. And when it comes to marital rape, nearly 9% of women and .5% of men have been victims.

And many instances are not reported because the violated party thinks marriage equals consent. This is simply not true. If you’ve been in an intimate sexual violence act with your partner, you have been violated. And if you’re not sure, reaching out to speak with a confidential professional is a great place to start.