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, these include; pressure from society to stay, to prevent disruption to any children, they may be unable to admit, even to themselves, that their husband or partner is raping them, lack of viable alternatives e.g. financial constraints, or that the women may blame themselves for what is happening.