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Sexual abuse within the marital relationship
A C Grams1, M J Carneiro de Sousa, R Roesch
1Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Portucalense University, Infante D. Henrique.
Medicine and Law
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Marital sexual abuse is underreported, with victims rarely complaining. Verified cases of marital sexual abuse were consistently accompanied by other forms of abuse, highlighting a complex pattern of domestic violence.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Sociology
- Criminology
Background:
- Sexual abuse within marriage is a sensitive issue, often hidden due to relationship dynamics.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of marital sexual abuse is crucial for victim support and legal intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the nature of sexual abuse occurring within marital relationships.
- To analyze clinical examination reports and interview data of sexual abuse victims.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of clinical examination reports from the Institute of Legal Medicine of Oporto (1990-1994).
- Random interviews with victims of physical abuse to assess partner-perpetrated sexual abuse.
Main Results:
- Complaints of marital sexual abuse are infrequently reported by victims.
- All verified cases of marital sexual abuse in the study cohort were associated with other forms of abuse.
Conclusions:
- Marital sexual abuse is significantly underreported.
- The presence of other abuse forms alongside sexual abuse indicates a pattern of coercive control within abusive relationships.
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