Andrew Smith/Photography Editor
The search engine 'Google' defines rape as sexual intercourse or penetration without valid consent by both parties. In some jurisdictions, rape is defined by penetration of the anus or the vagina by a penis. Therefore, I hereby declare that a woman can be raped by her husband.
Commenting on the statement 'a wife must submit herself to her husband', this statement implies that a woman is to be totally submissive to her husband. However, this is not 'the right way to go' for couples aiming for a healthy relationship, since only the husband views or opinion will be taken.
George Ramocan also endorsed this in his article 'Could your marriage survive that?' published in the Outlook dated July 9, 2006, by saying that love cannot be self-seeking, and that the mentality of 'my way or the highway' does not work in marriage.
In conclusion, a woman should not be totally submissive to her husband, and any act of sexual intercourse or penetration without the consent of both parties is considered rape, whether it may be your husband or a mere stranger.
- Rochelle Cohen
It depends ...
The answer is dependent on the interpretation of the word 'rape'. In taking the marriage vows, the wife consents to having sexual bonding with her husband. This is entrenched, as it should be noted that the marriage could be annulled if it is not
consummated.
The answer, therefore, of the rape of a non-consenting wife by her husband, within the context of marriage, is no.
The bond of marriage between the couple implies within its concept, among other things, love, respect, affection, thoughtfulness, with due consideration, one for the other. Should the husband selfishly discard these principles, and forces himself whenever he pleases on an otherwise consenting wife, in instances when she is not so disposed, 'yes', he has definitely raped her.
It must be borne in mind that 'you cannot own a human being'. The husband must be mindful of this. He has no moral or legal right to entertain this feeling. Such a breach could place him beyond the expected norms of civilised human beings, making 'rape' too mild a term to describe the action.
- Merrick Robinson
A woman is entitled
to her rights
The complete Handy Reference Dictionary and Thesaurus describes rape as the crime of having sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent, or the act of taking by force. Can a wife be raped by her husband? Definitely.
Rape, in any context, reflects the definition above and retains its meaning whether in the case of a marriage or not. Being married does not mean that your nights are revoked and a woman is entitled to her rights just like anyone else. If you take money from your mother or father without their permission, is that not stealing? Stealing retains its meaning, and likewise, if you have sexual intercourse with your wife without her consent, is it not taking it by force? Is it not rape?
There are times when a wife will not be in the mood for sex, while the husband is. If he goes ahead, against her will, to sexually satisfy himself it should be considered rape just the same because he is getting sexual pleasure by force. Many husbands follow the notion that because the Bible states or supports the submission of the wife to the husband, then they are justified to do whatever they want to do to their wives. A wife should not be considered a slave to her husband and therefore should not be treated like one.
The union of marriage does not change the meaning of rape and therefore, if a husband forcefully gets sex from his wife then it should be considered rape. It is surely my firm belief that a wife can be raped by her husband.
- Rennay Moore
A woman's
body is hers
The answer, yes. But how?
According to the 21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia, rape is 'a crime of forced sexual intercourse without the consent of the subject who may be male or female'. In this case, without the consent of the female.
On the contrary, there's the talk about a wife being submissive to her husband, which is indeed true as the Bible makes mention of this. To submit is simply to give in to someone else's will. When a woman submits to her husband, she offers herself freely to him, but should she offer herself to being a victim of a crime?
Sex in marriage is a 'rule' as the woman should not withhold herself from her husband; but who is this husband to take sex from his wife whenever and however he wants? A woman's body is hers and should not be seen as a her husband's property, so that he feels he owns her. Sex should be a mutual and enjoyable thing between the two.
- Kadie-Ann Cresser
Husband can
abuse the power
I say yes. The reason being that the husband can abuse the power he has over his wife.
Marriage is about trust, love, respect, honour and admiration for each other. It is not all the time a wife is going have the desire to have sex with her husband.
There are times when the husband cannot understand or respect that. In this case he demands sex. But if the wife still says no and responds in a negative way to his advances, the possibility is there that he will take it by force, which is rape.
- Stacey Hawthorne
It is clear the
law says it's illegal
The question needs no second thoughts. Yes, a wife can be molested by her husband.
It is clear the law says it's illegal. Every human being is entitled to his or her own space and we must respect each other's feelings. If parents can molest their children and be charged with incest, then yes! A wife can be raped by her husband.
- Michael Gray
