International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Invisible Scars: Understanding Marital Rape as a Form of Domestic Violence

Author(s) Mr. Daksh Sharma, Mr. Vyom Sood
Country India
Abstract Marital rape defined as sexual intercourse without consent within marriage
remains one of the most contested, invisible, and misunderstood forms of domestic violence in India. Despite global recognition of bodily autonomy as a fundamental human right, Indian law continues to uphold a colonial‑era exemption that denies married women the same protection granted to unmarried women. This research paper examines the historical, legal, social, and psychological dimensions of marital rape in India through an extensive review of existing literature, national crime data, international reports, and secondary quantitative findings. The purpose of this study is to analyze the deep‑rooted patriarchal norms that shape the legal system, understand the complex barriers that prevent survivors from reporting abuse, and evaluate the broader implications of continuing to treat forced sexual intercourse within marriage as a non‑criminal act.
Drawing upon data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS‑5), the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the World Health Organization (WHO), and multiple NGO reports, the research highlights significant discrepancies between the recorded cases of domestic violence and the actual prevalence of spousal sexual violence in Indian households. While official crime statistics show limited reporting, independent studies consistently reveal far higher rates of coercion and abuse, suggesting that silence is not evidence of safety but a reflection of stigma, dependence, and a lack of legal remedies. The literature further demonstrates that marital rape affects women across socioeconomic backgrounds, challenging the misconception that it is confined to lower‑income or less‑educated groups. Instead, the findings illustrate that hierarchical gender norms and social expectations surrounding marriage play a central role in keeping survivors silent, regardless of class or region.
The study also incorporates expert opinions and secondary accounts from
legal scholars, human rights advocates, and social researchers, revealing a stark divide between international human rights standards and India’s current legal framework. While more than 150 countries recognize marital rape as a criminal offense, India remains among a shrinking minority that continues to treat marriage as an automatic and permanent form of consent. This disconnect not only violates the principles of bodily integrity and personal liberty but also contradicts constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity. The research further explores the psychological consequences of marital rape, underscoring its long‑term impact on survivors’ emotional well‑being, self‑perception, and mental health factors that are often dismissed or minimized because the violence occurs within the context of marriage.
Overall, this paper argues that the failure to criminalize marital rape
perpetuates a culture of silence, normalizes coercion, and reinforces harmful gender dynamics within Indian society. By synthesizing quantitative data, legal analyses, and expert commentary, the research concludes that acknowledging marital rape as a crime is essential for advancing gender justice, protecting survivors, and aligning India with global human rights norms. The findings underscore the urgent need for legal reform, social awareness, and a systemic shift toward understanding consent as an ongoing, indispensable aspect of intimate relationships. Without meaningful change, marital rape will continue to remain hidden in plain sight an often ignored but deeply damaging form of violence within the Indian household.
Keywords Marital rape, LGBTQIA+
Field Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On 2026-01-04
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.65327
Short DOI https://doi.org/hbhsgs
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