So Uh, Marital Rape Isn't Totally Illegal in Some States
Get ready to be outraged.
Many rape victims across America aren't getting the justice they deserve, and the reason is infuriating: the rapists are married to them. The Daily Beast reports that marital rape is sort-of legal in eight states, and victims there have to jump through hoops to get their cases prosecuted.
Technically, marital rape is illegal everywhere and has been since 1993, but some states treat it way differently than other forms of sexual assault. In some places, it is given different punishment, held to a different standard, and even considered a different type of crime.
In eight states, there are marital exceptions for certain rape cases. In Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Washington, there has to be proof a spouse used force, violence, or violent threats in order for it to be considered rape. Some states even require that the spouse use a weapon for it to be considered a crime.
But it looks like that might change soon, thankfully. Lawmakers in Ohio are fighting to get rid of their state's "marital privilege" when it comes to rape. "Marital abuse is underreported," Rep. Greta Johnson told the Columbus Dispatch. "It is often part of a cycle of violence."
If you or someone you know is the victim of spousal rape, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, or reach out on their website.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
20 Ultra-Luxe Nordstrom Gifts That'll Impress Any Beauty Lover
They're all handpicked by our editors.
By Emma Walsh Published
-
Meghan Markle's Strapless Gown Puts a Famous Oscars Look to Shame
She's redefining the leg slit.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Prince Harry Advises "Never Google Yourself," Says He Feels "Most Sorry For Trolls" in Candid Interview
"It’s almost like a competition of who can hide the truth or lie or mislead us more," the Duke of Sussex said.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become Monogamous
For Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
By Melanie LaForce Published
-
COVID Uncoupling
How the pandemic has mutated our most personal disunions.
By Gretchen Voss Published
-
15 Couples on How 2020 Rocked Their Relationship
Couples confessed to Marie Claire how this year's many multi-stressors tested the limits of their love.
By Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW Published
-
A Marriage Made on Promises Not Plans
"Six days before my dad was supposed to walk me down the aisle, I curled beside him in his hospital bed."
By Laura Townsend Published
-
How to Fight Fair In Relationships
Our resident psychiatrist lays out the rules to fighting fair.
By Samantha Boardman Published
-
A Decade ’Til “I Do”
Darlena Cunha had been married for 10 years when she decided it was finally time to have a wedding.
By Darlena Cunha Published
-
Your Partner's Annoying Habits Are Pushing You to the Edge—Here's How Not to Break Up
Does your partner chew too loudly, ask the same question repeatedly, or steal the best piece of bread? Fear not: Belinda Luscombe says all is not lost.
By Belinda Luscombe Published
-
I Tried 11 Sex Apps to Spice Up My Marriage
From erotica to Truth or Dare, there is definitely an app for that.
By Rebecca Reid Published