Emerging Trends in Intimate Partner Rape and Marital/Spousal Rape During the Biennium 2020 and 2021, Including the...

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Criminology
• Public Health

Background:

• Intimate partner rape, including marital/spousal rape, is under-explored and under-reported.
• Domestic violence encompasses gender-based violence and intimate partner violence.
• Understanding trends in reported rape is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore trends in reported intimate partner and marital/spousal rape in Greece during 2020-2021.
• To analyze these trends within the broader context of reported domestic violence.
• To identify potential correlations and temporal patterns in reported cases.

Main Methods:

• Statistical analysis of reported domestic violence and domestic rape data for 2020 and 2021 in Greece.
• Examination of yearly and monthly trends.
• Comparison of trends before and after COVID-19 lockdowns.

Main Results:

• Domestic violence rates showed an upward yearly trend, while reported intimate partner rape remained stable.
• A significant increase in reported marital rape victims was observed in 2021 compared to 2020.
• Monthly reported domestic violence and rape cases increased post-lockdown, peaking in August of both years.

Conclusions:

• While overall domestic violence is rising, intimate partner rape rates have been stable, with a notable exception for marital rape in 2021.
• Post-lockdown increases in reported cases may be apparent and require further investigation.
• Long-term epidemiological research is essential to understand the dynamics of intimate partner and marital rape.