Dear Editor,

Domestic violence (DV) in the form of marital rape refers to any act between spouses involving unwanted intercourse or sexual penetration that is forced, threatened, or occurs when the victim is incapacitated (e.g., asleep or intoxicated). It is a devastating and often overlooked category of DV that profoundly affects the victim, violating the fundamental principles of trust and intimacy in a relationship. Unfortunately, many victims of marital rape suffer in silence due to fear of societal stigma or being doubted, as well as the incorrect belief that consent is automatic within marriage. As a result, the psychological and emotional scars are long-lasting and seriously impact the victim’s self-esteem and mental well-being. Marital rape is often hidden by cultural taboos and confusion surrounding the concept of consent within marriage. Over time, many legal systems have incorrectly assumed that marriage automatically equals consent to sexual activity. This misunderstanding not only overlooks the problem of marital rape within legal frameworks but also keeps this form of DV hidden from public view. This lack of awareness minimizes the pain experienced by victims and reinforces a culture of silence, enabling marital rape to persist unchecked.