No one ever thinks of rape in the context of marriage. Women themselves find it difficult to believe that a husband can rape his wife. Despite the unwillingness to recognise marital rape as a crime, the fact remains that marital rape is prevalent throughout society. Women s bodies are outraged, regardless of their educational qualifications, class or status. This is because cultures worldwide discourage their women from openly discussing sexual matters, let alone within marriage.
Most women don t even think of rape by their husbands as marital rape.
Various subliminal messages across the media and through society encourage young boys to believe in the sexual availability of women. Men begin to believe that decision-making is their sole prerogative, that their wives do not have any rights in most matters, that their wives are subject to them in every respect. Even educated persons, who would otherwise treat women with the utmost respect, would think nothing of having sex with their wives, against their wives wishes. Social beliefs are only reinforced by the lacunae in the law. As of now, Indian law contains no provisions for helping abused wives and penalising guilty husbands.