Marital Rape as Structual Violence in the Legal System

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) stands as a significant concern for mental health professionals and advocates for women's rights. In this realm, marital rape is identified as the unwelcome sexual acts a husband imposes on his wife, frequently accompanied by physical violence and threats, instilling fear and injury in women. Despite the profound trauma it causes, marital rape is not universally illegal or considered a severe crime in some areas. The lack of attention to marital rape by society and the legal frameworks, especially in the context of increasing awareness of women's health, warrants a closer look. This study seeks to explore the influence of societal views on marital rape on the seeming leniency of the legal system and proposes possible remedies. It is clear that in societies with deep-rooted patriarchal values, where a husband's authority is prioritized, marital rape is normalized as a form of structural violence, thereby undermining the legal system's response. Addressing this issue requires strict legal reforms, including joining international frameworks and comprehensive public education to raise awareness.