Spousal Rape

Also known as Marital Rape.

A term that is used to describe any unwanted sexual acts by a spouse or ex-spouse, committed without consent.

These sexual acts may include anal or oral sex, intercourse, forced sexual behaviour with other individuals, and other sexual activities that are considered by the victim as humiliating, degrading, painful or unwanted.

Spousal rape is now a crime in most parts of the Western world, including the UK and US. However, exemptions still apply in some countries; for example, if a couple were living together at the time of the assault.