Addressing Marital Rape: Socio-Legal Challenges and the Need for Reform

Daksh Dhankhar, Dr. Som Dutt Bhardwaj

Abstract: Marital rape, defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse between married partners, remains a deeply polarizing and under-addressed issue worldwide. While progress has been made in recognizing spousal sexual violence as a human rights violation, many legal systems still shield perpetrators under outdated marital privilege doctrines. This paper critically examines the socio-legal challenges, historical perspectives, psychological impacts, and cultural stigmas surrounding marital rape. It also explores reform strategies and humanized narratives from survivors, advocating for a more compassionate and equitable legal framework. The study underscores the urgent need for global legislative reform and social awareness to uphold the dignity and autonomy of every individual, irrespective of marital status.

Keywords: marital rape, spousal sexual violence, legal reform, survivor narratives, human rights advocacy