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

Remember, if you would like free confidential information and support about any of the issues raised on this page, you can contact your local centre and speak to a trained support worker. Contact details are on the ‘local rape crisis and sexual abuse centres’ page.

Thank you to our member centres for information provided for this section, especially to the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre in Dundee.