Marital Rape Perception and Impact of Force

City University of New York (CUNY)
CUNY Academic Works
Student Theses John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Spring 6-2017
Marital Rape Perception and Impact of Force

Janelle N. Robinson
CUNY John Jay College, Janellerobinson@live.com
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Marital Rape Perception and Impact of Force
A Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
For the Masters in Forensic Psychology
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
City University of New York
Janelle N. Robinson
Date: May 2017

PERCEPTION OF MARITAL RAPE 2
Table of Contents
Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………… 3
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………... 4
Historical Context of Marital Rape……………………………………………5
Rape Myths……………………………………………………………………7
Factors Impacting Rape Perceptions…………………………………….…….8
Rape and Level of Force ……………………………………………………...9
Impact of Marital Rape………………………………………………………..11
Current Study …………………………………………………………………12
Method ………………………………………………………………………………..13
Research Design ………………………………………………………………13
Participants ……………………………………………………………………13
Procedure ……………………………………………………………………...14
Measures ………………………………………………………………………15
Results …………………………………………………………………………………17
Level of Force …………………………………………………………………17
Rape Myth Acceptance and Attitude towards Women’s Role………………...18
Discussion ……………………………………………………………………………..19
Limitations …………………………………………………………………….23
Conclusion and Recommendations for Future Studies ………………………..23
References ……………………………………………………………………………..27
Tables ………………………………………………………………………………….31
Appendices …………………………………………………………………………….34
Abstract
The majority of sexual abuse is committed by someone known to the victim. In fact, almost
75%-90% of rape victims know their perpetrator. While there has been a strong movement to
identify and prosecute rape, one area that has still received relatively little attention in research
and the media is marital rape. Research has found that marital rape is classified as less severe,
less violating of women’s rights, and less psychologically damaging than rape taking place
outside the marriage. To date, research has suggested that the perception of rape is influenced by
a myriad of factors including the degree of force and belief systems about the roles of women
and men in society. Currently, there is sparse literature on the impact of degree of force on
sexual assault with the available literature focusing only upon stranger rape scenarios. As such,
the present study examined the impact of the level of physical force used on perception of
marital rape. Undergraduate students (N=289) were surveyed using an online survey. Students
completed the Illinois Rape Myth Scale, Attitude towards Women Scale, and demographic
questions. Students were randomly assigned to one of three marital rape vignettes describing
events that led to a heterosexual married couple having non consensual sex. In each of the
scenarios the wife is portrayed as protesting her husband’s sexual advances, in which he ignores
and proceeds to have sexual intercourse. Each scenario differed by level of force used. The study
found that participants were more likely to perceive marital rape when extreme force was used
than in the scenarios that subtle force was used. It was also found that difference in the attitudes
towards women’s role in society had an effect on perception of marital rape across the three
conditions. These findings will be discussed in relation to the identification, prosecution and
prevention of marital rape.
Keywords: marital rape, physical force, myth, gender role

Introduction
Rape has been, and still is, a challenging crime to study as it is the most underreported
form of assault (Adinkrah, 2011; Mahoney & Williams, 1998; Randall & Haskall, 1995; Ullman
& Siegel, 1993; Yamasaki & Tschanz, 2005). Rape is defined as a type of assault involving
sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration against the will of the victim, with use or
threatened use of force or attempting such act (Planty, Langton, Krebs, Berzofsky &Smiley-
McDonald, 2013). Findings show that one in five women and one in seventy-one men will be
raped at some point in their lives, with one in ten women being raped by an intimate partner
[Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2010, 2012)]. Between 2005 and 2010, 78% of
sexual violence involved an offender who was a family member, intimate partner, friend or
acquaintance.
Though rape is challenging to study, the phenomenon of marital rape is even more
difficult to study and has continued to be the least studied type of sexual assault (Martin, Taft &
Resick, 2007). Factors that have contributed to the challenge of studying this phenomenon
include low reporting rates (Basile, 2002; Russell, 1998) and low conviction rates (Ferro,
Cermele & Saltzman, 2008). Basile (2002) argues that this low reporting of such acts and
ultimate convictions are reflected by gender stereotypes and patriarchal views of sex, which is
based on controlling aspects of the female body.
A number of studies examining rape by intimate partners as a percentage of the total
number of rapes reported per year consistently found that rape by intimate partners account for
one quarter of all rapes (Mahoney & Williams, 1998; Randall & Haskall, 1995; Ullman &
Siegel, 1993). Similarly, within a random sample of 420 women in Toronto, Canada, it was
found that 30% of adult rape cases were committed by husbands, common law partners or
boyfriends while 12% were committed by strangers (Randall & Haskall, 1995). Other studies
found that between 28% (Ullman & Siegel, 1993) and 29% (George, Winfield & Blazer, 1992)
of sexual assaults of adult women were perpetrated by a husband or lover.
Historical Context of Marital Rape
The criminalization of marital rape within the United States started in the late 1970’s and
by 1993 became a crime in all 50 states (Martin, Taft & Resick, 2007),as multiple feminist
advocates lobbied for changes in the legal system. Though marital rape is now illegal in all 50
states within the United States of America, there still exist provisions within some States that
detail when it is legally acceptable for a man to rape his wife without any subsequent
consequences. Such provisions are termed “partial exemptions or allowances”; which speak to
factors such as the degree of physical force, along with the inability of the wife to give consent in
cases of mental impairment (Martin, Taft & Resick, 2007; National Clearing House for Marital
Rape and Date Rape, 2005). Under these conditions, marital rape is only sanctioned if the couple
is living apart, legally separated or divorced (Martin, Taft & Resick, 2007; National Clearing
House for Marital Rape and Date Rape, 2005).
Globally, at least 119 countries have passed laws on domestic violence, 125 have laws on
sexual harassment but only 52 have laws on marital rape (Planty, Langton, Krebs, Berzofsky
&Smiley-McDonald, 2013). Nonetheless even when laws exist, this does not mean they are
always compliant with international standards and recommendations, which views marital rape
as a violation of individual human rights of spouses (Heise & Gottmoeller, 2002).
There exist four main arguments that provide a historical framework of the continuation
and prevalence of rape within the marital context: 1) Unities Theory; 2) Social Constructionism
Theory; 3) Feminist Theory; and 4) Sex Role Socialization Theory. The Unities Theory was
articulated by Blackstone (1765) who explained in his writings that the legal existence of a wife
as an independent person was suspended during marriage; as the man and the wife are seen as
one entity or one being (Martin et al., 2007). Further, in the 18th century rape against a woman
was classified as a property crime committed against another man, it further purported that
marital rape could not exist because a husband could not steal his own property or commit a
crime against himself.
According to the Sex Role Socialization argument (Birns, Cascardi, & Meyer, 1994) men
are taught to be dominant, powerful and sexually aggressive while women are taught to be
passive, submissive and the sexual gate-keepers. Within this context, marital rape is considered
to be an extreme version of sex-role socialization due to the concept of ‘wifely duty’- the belief
that the wife’s duty is to sexually please her husband on his time and demand (Martin, et al.,
2007). Many researchers have suggested that Sex Role Socialization fosters and encourages rape
supportive beliefs in both men and women alike (Basile, 2002; Martin, Taft & Resick, 2007;
Monson, Langhinrichsen-Rohling & Binderup, 2000). Social Constructionism is a general term
applied to theories that purports that the world and its tenets are socially created by society rather
than merely given or existing. Meuhlenhard and Kimes (1999) uses this argument to shed light
on the justification of marital rape-- asserting that men traditionally have a desire to retain power
in society- for example political power and to protect themselves and “property.” Throughout
history, men have dominated the lawmaking process that has led to laws reflecting their interests
in areas such as property protection. Consequently, married women are viewed as property,
thereby justifying the exemption of married men from being held criminally responsible for
raping their wives.

Lastly, the feminist movement has also theorized that the perpetuation of marital rape is a
means of social control and dominance over women through the use of patriarchal families. The
movement has went on to coin terms such as “patriarchal terrorism” and “license to rape”
(Martin, et al., p.332) to refer to the social control of women by men. Martin et al. (2007) refers
to patriarchal terrorism as a methodic use of violence by men to control women. The term
“license to rape” is used in the context where men control and dominate wives through forced
sex without fear of repercussions of such acts.
Rape Myths
Rape myths have been argued to encourage the perpetuation of rape and marital rape
specifically, in that these myths often times serve as a justification to commit rape (Edwards,
Turchik, Dardis, Reynolds, & Gidycz, 2011; Vayeghan, 2016). Rape myths may be defined as
prejudicial, stereotyped or false beliefs about rape, the rape victims, and rapists—ultimately
creating a hostile climate for the victims (Burt, 1980). Rape myths have been viewed by some as
the root of many sexually motivated crimes as these crimes combine elements of power and
anger as well as gender role sexuality; which speaks to societal norms that dictate the types of
behaviors that are widely accepted and appropriate based on actual or perceived sex and
sexuality (Ben-David &Schneider, 2005). These myths are also reflected in the attribution of
blame towards victims in several themes. Ben-David and Schneider (2005) add that these themes
include victim masochism, for example “any healthy woman can resist a rapist if she wants to,”
(Burt, 1980, p. 217), victim precipitation, for example women enjoy being raped (Edwards, et al.
2011) and victim fabrication for example “women cry rape only when they’ve been jilted or have
something to cover up,” (Burt, 1980, p. 217). Another rape myth that has persevered through the
years is husbands can’t rape their wives (Burt, 1980; Edwards et al., 2011; Martin, et al., 2007).
Another myth upheld is that sexual assault in marriage is exclusively the problem of
women who are only physically abused. Statistics reveal that in 54% of marriages in which
wives are abused, physical violence was the major or only problem (Weingourt, 1985). Whereas
in 23% of marriages sexual abuse was the major or only problem, while within 22% of marriages
sexual abuse and physical abuse were problems of equal significance (Weingourt, 1985). This
shows that sexual abuse in marriage does occur in the absence of physical abuse. As this
research is over three decades old, it is unclear how often women are subject to sexual violence
in marriage in the absence of physical violence, and this lack of knowledge serves as a barrier to
not only identification but to treatment.
Factors Impacting Rape Perceptions
Additionally, there have been other factors studied that affect people’s perceptions of
rape including how situational, perpetrator and observer factors impact blame towards sexual
assault victims within dating and married relationships across different jurisdictions. Duran,
Moya, Megias and Viki (2010) conducted two hypothetical studies in Spain (sample of high
school students) and England (sample of college students) examining how situational, perpetrator
and observer factors affect blame towards rape victims. They found no significant difference in
perception based on age and the nation. Nonetheless, the study found that participants’
benevolent sexism and hostile sexism scores predicted more victim blame when the rapist was
described as a husband. Another study examined the differences in attitudes toward women, rape
victims and belief in rape myths across race between Asian American and Caucasian college
students within California (Mori, Bernat, Glenn, Selle & Zarate, 1995) and found that Asian
Americans were more likely to report negative attitudes towards rape victims and to endorse
more rape myths than their Caucasian counterpart. Mori and colleagues (1995) found that highly
acculturated Asians endorsed responses similar to the other Caucasian participants, suggesting
that the adoption of other cultural norms or even mere awareness of cultural differences may
trump previously held beliefs. This study highlights issues of acculturation and how those
customs and beliefs are similar to their native country may also hold role expectations of those
cultures and countries. Contrary to this finding, Vandiver and Dupalo (2013) in examining the
factors that affect college students’ perception of rape found that the majority of students in fact
did not endorse rape myths, but among those who did male students were more likely than their
fellow female students to support such myths. Kim and colleagues (2016) used a narrative
analysis method to explore how 9 Mexican immigrants living in the United States describe their
experience with intimate partner violence. The study found that the participants’ cultural
background greatly influenced their views as women and their responses to sexual abuse within
their relationships. The participants shared that within their culture, if you were raped or sexually
abused as a child or by your intimate partner you were seen as a whore by your husband and
often shunned by your family and community (Kim et al., 2016).
Rape and Level of Force
Rape, but more specifically, marital rape involves the use of some form of coercion.
Coercion may be defined as the intimidation of a victim to compel them to do some act against
their will by the use of psychological pressure, physical force or threat
(www.thefreedictionary.com, 2017). Furthermore, the touchstone of coercion/type of force used
is that women ultimately lack choice and face severe physical or social consequences if she
resists sexual advances from her perpetrator (Heise & Gottmoeller, 2002).
Basile (2002) highlighted the type of coercion/force involved in intimate partner
violence, but more specifically marital rape. These include non-physical sexual coercion,
threatened or forced sex, battering rape, force only rape and obsessive rape. He added that non-
physical sexual coercion includes social or normative coercion that refers to the duty of the wife
to sexually submit to their husbands (Martin et al., 2007; Basile, 2002) and interpersonal
coercion that speaks to women feeling pressured to have sex through the use of non-violent
threats. Basile’s (2002) study collected data from the National Poll in 1997 through a random
telephone survey aimed at providing a national estimate of victims of marital rape along with
estimates of sexually coercive behavior by spouse or intimate partner. The study found that 61 %
of married women experienced social coercion and 30% of the sample complied with demands
for money ranging from buying them gifts to taking them out for dinner, while another 13% felt
bullied and humiliated by their partner into participating in unwanted sex.
Despite these statistics, researchers have found that individuals often minimize not only
the seriousness of marital rape, but also the potential harm it poses for victims in comparison to
other forms of rape (Martin, et al., 2007). Studies have shown that as the acquaintance level
increases between victim and perpetrator, the more individuals minimize the severity of rape, the
perceptions of the victim and punishment (Ben-David & Schneider, 2005; Simonson, & Subich,
1999; Vandiver & Dupalo, 2013; Ferro, Cernele & Saltzman, 2008). However, the researchers
did not examine the level of force as acquaintance level increased on perception of rape.
Vandiver and Dupalo (2013) in examining the factors that affect college students’ perception of
rape found that the most likely perceived rape situation involved stranger rape, a clear lack of
consent, female victim and use of physical force. Again, though physical force was a clear factor,
the different levels of physical force were not studied.
Nonetheless, despite the perception that cases of marital rape are less severe, research has
consistently found that victims of marital rape have reported symptoms of depression, post-
traumatic stress disorder, physical pain, with some being victims of homicide or even taking their
lives (Kim, Draucker, Bradway, Grisso & Sommers, 2016; Martin, Taft & Resick, 2007).
Impact of Marital Rape
Contrary to the mythical perception that marital rape is less traumatic than other types of
rape (i.e. stranger rape), Weingourt (1985) found that the most upsetting and long-term ill effects
on the victim result from rape by a husband or relative. Weingourt (1985) found that women
raped by their husbands compared to those raped by strangers reported a consistently
longstanding sense of betrayal and disillusionment. Like other forms of sexual assault, marital
rape poses serious emotional, psychological and physical impact on its victims (Weingourt,
1985; Martin et al., 2007).
The psychological impact of rape in general has been well studied with victims of rape
reporting depression (Martin, et al., 2007), PTSD (The Center for Disease Control, 2010), self
blame (CDC, 2010; Martin et al. 2007), lower self-esteem, poor body image, greater negative
feelings towards men and sex in general (Finkelhor & Yllo, 1983). The Center for Disease
Control (2010) reports that 81% or women and 35% of men who have been victim of sexual
assault report significant short term or long term impacts of PTSD. In examining the long term
psychological distress associated with marital rape, Riggs and colleagues (1992) compared
female victims of a completed rape to women who had not been a victim of any crime. The
female victims were divided into four groups; those who experienced marital rape, those who
experienced stranger rape, marital assault and other assault. Similar to the findings of other
studies (Burt, 1980; Finkelhor & Yllo, 1983 Martin, et al, 2007) Riggs and colleagues found that
violence toward women that is perpetrated by a husband is equally traumatizing to the violence
at the hands of others. Though the authors did not find a significant difference in psychological
distress amongst the groups—it was found that women assaulted by their husbands were more
likely to report that the assault was one of a series of similar attacks. Additionally, all groups
reported higher levels of psychological distress than did the non-victimized women.
Along with the psychological impact, victims of marital rape face severe physical impact.
Campbell and Alford (1989) in examining the physical effects of marital rape on women in wife
abuse shelters in Michigan found that 72% of participants reported painful intercourse and 63%
reported vaginal pain during intercourse. Of the 115 women sampled; 50.9% reported bladder
infections, 37% reported vaginal hemorrhaging, 25% reported delay in menstrual cycle, 20.4%
reported miscarriages or still births and 6.5% reported contracting a sexually transmitted
infection.
While women raped by strangers go through a long period of being afraid, especially
about their physical safety, and are subsequently cautious about being alone, where they go and
who they go with, women who are raped by their partners have been found to lose confidence in
forming relationships and trusting intimate partners (Burt, 1980; Campbell & Alford, 1989,
Finkelhor &Yllo, 1983). Ultimately, a married woman lives with her rapist and not just the
frightening memory of being raped.
Current Study
The above mentioned studies have highlighted the roles of rape myth endorsement,
gender role stereotypes and the use of physical force in perceiving rape in general. However,
researchers who examined the impact of physical force on rape perception did so by looking at
the presence or absence of physical force, which was based on level of acquaintance. Even with
the extensive contribution research has made to the rape literature, marital rape is still an
understudied phenomenon. To date, there is no research examining the levels of physical force
used in sexual assault within marriages and its impact on marital rape perception. As such, the
aims of the study were threefold, 1) to examine individual’s perceptions of rape within a marital
context and the influence of level of force, 2) to examine the impact of one’s rape myth
acceptance on perceiving sexual assault as rape within the marital context and 3) to examine the
influence of one’s gender role attitudes on the perception of marital rape.
It is hypothesized that perception of marital rape will differ by the level of force used
such that when there is physical and more extreme force used, individuals will be more likely to
perceive a sexual encounter between married individuals as rape compared to conditions where
the degree of force used is subtle. The study further hypothesizes that the impact of the degree of
force on marital rape perception will be influenced by participants’ attitude towards women’s
role and their endorsement of rape myths. This study ultimately hopes to shed light on what
influences perception of marital rape.
Method
Research Design
The study was an on-line experimental design that examined the impact of the level of
force used in a rape scenario on perceived marital rape. The independent variable, level of force,
had three levels: subtle force, moderate force and extreme force. The participants were randomly
assigned to one of the three levels of force. The dependent variable was the participant’s rating
on the marital rape survey which allowed for the examination of the extent to which each
scenario is perceived as rape.
Participants
A total of 289 John Jay Undergraduate students (28% male and 72% female) participated
in the study. The students were recruited via the student research pool accessed on the research
experience program through SONA. Undergraduate students ages 18 and older were eligible to
participate in this study. The demographic survey revealed the age range to be between 18 and
over 25, with the most frequently occurring age group being 17-19 (50.5%), and the remainder
being 20-22 (26.8%), 23-25 (9%) and >25 (10.4%). The majority of the participants were 1st year
students (41.1%) followed by 3rd year (22.4%), 2nd year (20.4%) and 4th year students (12.7%).
The racial distribution of the sample was as follows; Hispanic (47.40%), White (20.07%), Black
(14.19%), and Asian (12.11%), other races made up 6.23%. Students listed a total of 23 majors
in addition to those who had undeclared majors (n=9). The most frequently listed majors were
Criminal Justice (n=100) and Forensic Psychology (n=104).
Procedure
Undergraduate students enrolled at John Jay College were recruited from the school’s
Research Experience Program through the online platform, SONA, to participate in an online
survey. The Research Experience Program aims to involve Introductory Psychology students in
the application of psychology and research methodology in general. A description of the study
was advertised on SONA via a recruitment flyer along with the survey link. All participants were
required to give informed consent before the beginning of the study and then directed to the
Attitude towards Women Scale (Spence, Helmreich & Stapp, 1973) and Illinois Rape Myth
Acceptance Scale (McMahon & Framer, 2011). After completion of the scales, each participant
was randomly assigned to one of three marital rape vignettes which were developed by the
researcher. Each vignette used fictitious names and was loosely based on what is considered rape
under the New York Penal Code. The vignettes were reviewed by experts within the field at the
PhD. level having experience working with either sexual assault victims or offenders. The
vignettes were further piloted to assess the level of force used. The three vignettes were identical
and only differed by the degree of force used. After reading the vignettes the participants were
asked a series of questions relating to the vignettes followed by a series of demographic
questions. Once the survey was complete, participants were given a debriefing form outlining the
results expected to be found. The form also contained the contact information of John Jay
Counseling services, if such service was needed, as well as the contact information for the
Investigators.
Measures
Attitudes towards Women Scale Short Form (Spence, Helmreich & Stapp, 1973).
The Attitudes toward Women Scale Short Form-AWS-SF (Appendix A) was used in this study
to assess the attitude towards the roles of women in society that different people have. The scale
consists of 25 items that utilizes a 4-point Likert type response scale ranging from “0”- strongly
disagree to “4”- strongly agree (Spence et al., 1973). The scales contain statement about the
myths and roles of women in areas such as vocational, educational, intellectual activities, dating
behavior and etiquette, sexual behavior and marital relationships (Spence, Helmreich & Stapp,
1973). Low scores indicate an endorsement of feminine sex-role stereotypes (e.g., sensitive,
affectionate), whereas high scores indicate an endorsement of masculine sex-role stereotypes
(e.g., assertive, rational). AWS-SF is considered one of the most commonly used measure of
gender role attitudes. In assessing the internal consistency of this measure, the current study
found a high Cronbach’s alpha of .81.
Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale: Short Form, (McMahon & Framer, 2011). The
Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale SF (Appendix B) comprises of 22 items comprised of four
subscales all related to the covert, subtle rape myths that blame the victim for her assault and
excuse the perpetrator. The four subscales include “She asked for it”; which consists of items
suggesting the victim invited sexual assault, “He didn’t mean to”; reflects belief that the
perpetrator did not intend to rape, “She lied”; which consist of items that indicate the belief that
the victim fabricated the rape and “It Wasn’t Really Rape”; consists of items that deny that an
assault occurred due to either blaming the victim or excusing the perpetrator. Higher scores
indicated a greater rejection of rape myth, while lower scores indicate a greater acceptance of
rape myths. Additionally, the IRMA is the most reliable and psychometrically demonstrated rape
myth scale to date, with version IRMA-SF holding similar psychometric properties (McMahon
& Farmer, 2011). In investigating the psychometric properties of the measure among 950
undergraduate students, the overall scale reliability was found to be .93. The current study found
that the scale did have a high level of internal consistency, similar to that previously reported—it
found a Cronbach’s alpha of .93.
Marital Rape Vignette (Appendix C) and Post-Vignette Survey (Appendix D). The
post-vignette survey used was similar to that used within the Simonson and Subich (1999) and
Yamasaki and Tschanz, (2005) studies. The scenarios described events that led to a heterosexual
married couple having non consensual sex. In each of the scenarios the wife is portrayed as
protesting her husband’s sexual advances, in which he ignores and proceeds to have sexual
intercourse. Each scenario differs by degree of force used. The post-vignette survey was based
upon the Simonson and Subich (1999) study utilizing 4-6 points Likert scale. To reduce potential
bias that may occur, the study did not utilize the labels “victims” and “perpetrators” but instead
each question referred to the individual’s name in vignette (John and Barbara). The survey
measured participant’s reactions to the victim, perpetrator and rape. The questions evaluated rape
supportive beliefs and sex role expectations. Additional questions assessed the extent to which
participants would characterize the incident as violent and as rape. Minimization of marital rape
was indicated if Barbara was not perceived as psychologically damaged or that it was not a
violation of her rights.
Demographic Questions. Demographic questions (Appendix E) were asked to conduct
exploratory analysis. The demographic questions asked participants to select their gender (male,
female, gender queer/non confirming, other), race; and age. These questions aimed to identify
any group differences. Lastly, participants were asked to indicate their marital status and if they
have ever been a victim of rape.
Results
The demographic results revealed that the majority of participants reported being single
(n=275) and the remainder reported being married (n=7), divorced (n=2), separated (n=1) or
living common law (n=4). One way ANOVA revealed there was not a statistical significant
difference between the varying marital statuses groups, F(4,284)=1.796, p=.130, in their
perception of marital rape. A total of 24 participants reported being victims of rape- though the
participants who reported being victim of rape on average scored higher for perception of marital
rape (M =3.71, SD =1.65) than participants who did not report being victims (M = 3.60, SD
=1.43), the difference was not found to be statistically significant, t(287)= -.362, p=.717.
Level of force
A cumulative odds ordinal logistic regression with proportional odds was run to
determine the effect of rape myth endorsement, attitude towards women’s role in society and the
level of force used on participants perceiving marital rape. The dependent variable, rape myth
perception was determined by a single ordinal item on a six point Likert scale. The attitude
toward women variable was a continuous variable in which higher scores indicated a
profeminist/egalitarian attitude and lower scores indicated a more traditional/conservative

attitude. Similarly, the rape myth acceptance variable was continuous, where high scores
indicated a rejection of rape myths and lower scores indicated an acceptance.
In conducting the hypothesis, the three independent variables(level of force, rape myth
rejection and gender role attitudes) were entered in the analysis model, there were proportional
odds, as assessed by a full likelihood ratio test comparing the fitted model to a model with
varying location parameters, χ2(16) = 16.515, p = .418. The deviance goodness-of-fit test
indicated that the model was a good fit to the observed data, χ2 (1386) = 793.338, p = 1.00. The
Pearson goodness-of-fit test also indicated the model was a good fit χ2(1386) = 1294.21, p =
.962 . Overall, the final model predicted the dependent variable over and above the intercept-
only model, χ2(4) = 85.751, p < .001. The level of force had a statistically significant effect on
the prediction of perception of marital rape χ2 (2)=17.870, p<.01 (Table 1). The odds of
participants within the extreme force conditions perceiving rape within the vignettes was 3.195
times, 95% CI [1.862, 5.484] that of those within the subtle force, χ2(1) = 17.77, p < .01. The
odds of participants within the extreme force conditions perceiving marital rape was .496 times,
95% CI[.288, .853] higher than those within the moderate force conditions, χ2 (1)=6.407,
p=.011 (Table 2).
Rape Myth Acceptance and Attitude towards Women’s Role
The cumulative odds ordinal logistic regression model revealed that an increase in rape
myth rejection was associated with an increase in the odds of considering marital rape in the
vignettes, with an odds ratio of 1.060, 95% CI [1.041, 1.079], χ2(1) = 40.372, p < .001. Though
the analysis found that with every increase in egalitarian attitude that was an increase in the odd
of considering marital rape, with an odds ratio of 1.024, 95% CI[.995, 1.054] it was not
significant, χ2 (1) =2.544, p=111. To test for interaction effects on perception of marital rape the
following variables were added to the ordinal logistic regression model: ‘level of force * rape
myth acceptance’ and ‘level of force *gender role attitudes.’ Overall the final model in
comparison to a constant model was found to be statistically significant χ2(4) = 85.751, p < .001.
Nonetheless the effects of the interactions between level of force and rape myth rejection were
not significant, χ2 (2)=.773, p=.679. Additionally, the interactions between level of force and
attitude towards women were not significant, χ2 (1)=2.159, p=.142 (Table 3).
Exploratory analysis examining the difference in perceiving marital rape between males
(n=81) and females (n=208) was conducted using an independent sample t-test. On average,
female participants (M=3.74, SD=1.435) were more likely to perceive marital rape than male
participants (M=3.26, SD=1.435). The difference was also found to be statistically significant
t(287)= -2.559, p=.011; females averaged .481, 95% CI [-.851,-.111] higher than their male
counterparts. An independent samples t-test also found that males and females differed on their
rejection of rape myths. On average, rejection of rape myths was greater for female participants
(M=65.18, SD=14.672) than males (M=56.68, SD=14.672). The difference was statistically
significant t(287)= 4.517, p<.001; in that females averaged 8.504, 95% CI[4.79,12.209] higher
than males.
Discussion
This study examined the influence of level of force on individual’s perception of sexual
assault within the marital context, along with how perceptions of marital rape influence
attitudes towards women’s role in society and endorsement of rape myths. Our findings suggest
that level of force has a significant effect on the perception of marital rape. More specifically, the
study found that participants who were assigned to the extreme force conditions were
significantly more likely to perceive the vignettes as rape than participants who were assigned to
the subtle and moderate force conditions. There was not a significant difference in perception of
marital rape between those assigned to the moderate and subtle conditions. The study did not
find a significant interaction effect between level of force and rape myth rejection on perceiving
sexual assault within marriage and the findings for the interaction effect between level of force
and gender role attitudes on marital rape perception were also non significant. Nonetheless, the
study examined the main effects of rape myth acceptance and gender role attitudes, and found
that as rape myth rejection increased so did the likelihood of perceiving marital rape across all
conditions. However, though the study found that as profeminist/egalitarian attitudes increased
so did the likelihood of perceiving marital rape, the results were non-significant. Explorative
analysis revealed that there did exist a gender difference in perception of marital rape and
endorsement of rape myths among the sample-- males were less likely to perceive marital rape in
the scenarios than females and more likely to endorse rape myths.
As hypothesized, we found that those who were randomly assigned to the extreme force
condition were more likely to rate the situation as rape as compared to those who used moderate
or subtle force. There are no known studies delineating the levels of physical force and assessing
its impact on marital rape. However, somewhat similar to the present study, Vandiver and
Dupalo (2013) in examining the factors that influence college students’ perception of rape found
that the most likely situation to be perceived as rape was one that involved physical force than
those that did not involve physical force. Important to note, the present study controlled for
wife’s resistance; the wife was depicted as verbally resisting by saying “no,’—this was important
in order to reduce the impact of resistance on participants’ perceptions. The study revealed that
only 39.1% of the sample rated the vignettes as “definitely rape” and though not significant,
there was a difference found on the rape perception variable in the scenarios where subtle or
moderate force was used; only 45.2% of participants in the subtle force perceived the scenarios
as very probably or definitely rape in comparison to a total of 62.9% participants in the moderate
conditions. This finding then prompts the question of how effective is “no means no” within the
marital context? Legally when not in the context of marriage, a verbal indication of “no” is
sufficient to provide non-consent and thus the situation would be considered rape.
With that said, some states have found the “no means no” campaign ineffective (Little,
2005). In states such as California there is now a law outlining the use of affirmative consent--
this speaks to the conscious and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity with the aim of
removing any ambiguity between the parties (Little, 2005). The state of California enacted
legislation to make “yes means yes” the gold standard for consent on college campuses (Diehl,
2015). This law protects both partners by ensuring mutual understanding. Application of
affirmative consent within the context of marriage may also diminish the ambiguity between the
spouses and impact of degree of force in perpetrators and law enforcement in perceiving rape
between married couples.
Though the majority of the sample did not endorse rape myths (82.6%), the study’s
findings suggest that rape myths are still, in some capacity, being endorsed. As rape myth
rejection increased so did the likelihood of perception of marital rape despite the level of force.
Vandiver and Dupalo (2013) shared similar findings in examining the factors that affect college
student’s perception of rape, they also found that the majority of students did not endorse rape
myth, though such endorsement impacted perception of rape. This suggests that with additional
awareness, the level of physical force may not significantly impact our perception of rape within
the marital context. The findings also add to the existing body of research that rape myths
endorsement, specifically those relating to sexual assault within marriage, are still prevalent
within the 21st century despite significant strides in gender rights and equality. Ben-David and
Schneider (2005) suggest that rape myths are viewed as the root of sexually motivated crime.
One such myth being husbands can’t rape their wives (Burt, 1980; Edwards et al., 2011; Martin,
et al., 2007). The findings for this study provide additional argument that as one’s rejection of
rape myths increases, the likelihood of rape within marriages to be perceived despite level of
force decreases. Future studies can examine the hypothesis that with a continued decrease in rape
myth endorsement sexually motivated crimes within marriages will also decrease.
The study also found that with an increase in egalitarian/profeminist attitude, there was
an increase in the likelihood of perceiving marital rape, though the results were not significant.
Though not significant, the findings of the study were consistent with other research. Simonson
and Subich (1999) in studying perceptions of stranger rape, acquaintance rape and marital rape
and their relations to observers’ gender role traditionality found that people who held less gender
role stereotypes were less likely to blame victims and rated the rape scenarios with a high degree
of seriousness. Nonetheless, our non-significant results may have been influenced by the location
of the study, New York City, home to a very liberal subset of the population.
The study also found a gender difference in participants’ perception to marital rape and
their endorsement of rape myths. Female respondents were more likely to perceive rape within
marriage and more likely to reject rape myths. The study’s findings support other research in that
males were in fact less likely to rate sexual assault scenarios as rape (Vandiver & Dupalo, 2013)
and males held a greater belief in rape myths than their female counterparts (Mori, Bernat,
Glenn, Selle & Zarate, 1995). However there are other studies that did not support this gender
difference in rape perception (Simonson & Subich, 1999).

Limitations
Accompanied with the significant findings of the study were several limitations. A main
limitation of this study was the lack of validity tests to facilitate the identification of careless
responses, if the study is to be replicated it is suggested that a manipulation check be conducted.
Also, the participants were first given the IRMA Scale and ATW-SF Scale before receiving the
marital rape vignette. This may have created a priming effect and resulted in socially desirable
responses.
Additionally, most of the studies examining perception of rape in general have been
criticized for the use of college students because of its homogeneity and as such this study may
face the same critique. While the findings of undergraduate students may not generalize to
society as a whole, there is value in using those in undergraduate settings as they can be used as
a benchmark to see what perceptions these educated young adults are bringing into their
marriages or current marriage or more broadly, intimate relationship. Studies that have compared
perceptions of undergraduate population and college alumnae who graduated at least 3 decades
earlier found that undergraduates in fact were significantly more likely to endorse rape myths
than were the alumnae (Ferro, Cermele &Saltzman, 2008). Ferno et al. (2008) also found that
there were no differences in perceptions of rape by victim-offender relationship between both
populations. This study therefore highlights that the undergraduate population, though frequently
used, do provide information that may not greatly differ from the general population.
Conclusion and Recommendation for Future Studies
The current study, though not without limitations, revealed significant differences in the
perception of marital rape as the level of physical force increased. It also showed, similar to
previous studies, that rape myth endorsement and or attitude towards women do influence our
perception of sexual assault, but more specifically sexual assault within marriages. These
findings have serious implications on both the Justice System and victims of marital rape.
Similar to this sample, potential jury members could be equally influenced by the level of force
presented in marital rape cases, which may sway the outcome of the case in favor of the
perpetrator, in this case one’s husband. With the absence of extreme force in such cases, wives
who have experienced such assault may be discouraged to identify themselves as victims. This
phenomenon is not only a social concern but also a public health issue as because of the lack of
trust in the justice system, the victims of marital rape may continue to endure the psychological,
emotional and physical effects of marital rape.
Important to note, New York City is also considered liberal and as such the views
reflected by the sample may not translate to other states. It is therefore recommended that this
study be replicated in more conservative states to assess if the findings are similar.. Future
studies should also assess the reliability and validity of the questionnaire that followed each
scenario along with a manipulation check on the vignettes. Additionally, the wife’s resistance in
the study was only verbal and as such may have impacted participant’s perceptions. The study
does have strength within its experimental design but future studies should also look at level of
resistance independent and dependent of degree of force used in such scenarios. This will allow
us to examine the role of victim resistance within the context of marital rape.
Importantly, as early as the 1980s, researchers have begun to document that rape myths
appear in the belief systems of lay people and of professionals who interact with rape victims and
assailants (Burt, 1980). As such, prosecutors’ personal biases may affect the decision to
prosecute and may dissuade them from prosecuting cases because of difficult convictions, thus
justifying and perpetuating the unwillingness of victims to come forward.

This drive for increase in awareness and education should also extend to law enforcement
officials. Law enforcement is usually the first point of contact when seeking justice; having them
more informed as to what constitutes marital rape and how our biases as it relates to the role of
level of force used in such scenarios, will aid in dispelling any misconception the role force plays
in marital rape. Failing to address this issue will hamper the victim’s recovery process in fear of
possible repercussions or the continuation of providing unwanted sex to their husbands.
In addition, people from various nationalities holding contrasting views on marital rape
makes the situation more problematic. As previously mentioned in the introduction; New York is
a unique state as it embodies a wide variety of nationalities all governed under one law.
However, it is important to be mindful that these laws that are built on values and beliefs which
may not be same for everyone from different backgrounds. This difference in belief system may
have played a role in the study’s findings. The researcher suggests that future studies examine
the role of culture on the perceiving marital rape. It will also be interesting to see what the results
would look like if replicated in other countries where marital rape is not criminalized. It is also
important that at the first point of entry in the country, individuals are provided with a succinct
version of important laws that are not shared internationally-such as the criminalization of rape
within marriages. We may argue that ignorance is no excuse, but for the sake of potential
victims, being proactive is less taxing financial and emotionally than going through the channels
of the justice system.
Adding to this argument; research has found that one of the strongest predictors of
intimate partner violence was foreign country of birth (Frye, Galea, Tracy, Bucciarelly, Putnam
& Wilt, 2008; Taylor, Guterman, Lee & Rathouz, 2009). This may be as a result of the unique
barriers faced by immigrant women in seeking help, this hesitancy in reporting may be as a result
of fear of police involvement or jeopardizing immigrant status. The barriers may also include
fear of being doubted, not only by society but by the family and community to which they belong
who view marital rape as nonexistent. Notwithstanding, it is important to validate the beliefs of
others but, in doing so, we should highlight the consequences of their actions as a product of
such beliefs. Continuous targeted educational campaigns tailored to the immigrant communities
on platforms such as the immigration websites both locally and abroad, and social media should
be considered in bringing awareness to the laws that govern this country and the consequences of
not adhering to them.
Additionally, though 30 years have passed since the abolition of the marital rape
immunity exemption from American laws, married women continue to be regarded as less
worthy of protection by our courts (Vayeghan, 2016). Future studies should examine the study’s
hypotheses within the justice setting. The findings of such study will determine if expanding the
realm of education on marital rape to the justice system is necessary.
With an increased awareness of the factors, more specifically the level of force;
influencing marital rape and more realistic perceptions of this phenomenon, higher reporting
rates may lead to more effective law enforcement, more help seeking among victims and
improved support services ultimately influencing myth breaking.

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Tables and Figures
Table 1.
Parameter Estimates of the Main Effects of Level of Force, Acceptance of Rape Myth and
Attitudes towards Women on Marital Rape Perception
Parameter Estimates
95% Wald
Confidence Interval
Hypothesis Test for Exp(B)
Std. Wald Chi-

Parameter B Error Square df Sig. Exp (B) Lower Upper
Threshold [Marital Rape=0]
(Rape .373 .8504 .193 1 .661 1.453 .274 7.693
Perception)
[Marital Rape =1]
1.854 .8083 5.258 1 .022 6.383 1.309 31.123
[Marital Rape =2]

3.168 .8160 15.072 1 .000 23.755 4.800 117.572
[Marital Rape =3]

4.052 .8295 23.864 1 .000 57.517 11.317 292.314
[Marital Rape =4]

5.084 .8479 35.954 1 .000 161.467 30.643 850.827
[Extreme Force]
1.162 .2756 17.770 1 .000 3.195 1.862 5.484
[Moderate Force]
.460 .2659 2.989 1 .084 1.584 .940 2.667
[Subtle Force]
a
0 . . . . 1 . .
Acceptance of Rape Myth

.058 .0092 40.372 1 .000 1.060 1.041 1.079
Attitude Towards Women

.024 .0148 2.544 1 .111 1.024 .995 1.054
b
(Scale) 1
a. Set to zero because this parameter is redundant.
b. Fixed at the displayed value.

Table 2.
Parameter Estimates of the Effects of Moderate Force Conditions and Extreme Force Conditions
95% Wald
Confidence Interval
Hypothesis Test for Exp(B)
Wald Chi-
Parameter B Std. Error Square df Sig. Exp (B) Lower Upper
Threshold (Rape [Marital Rape=0]
Perception) .373 .8504 .193 1 .661 1.453 .274 7.693
[Marital Rape=1]
1.854 .8083 5.258 1 .022 6.383 1.309 31.123
[Marital Rape=2]
3.168 .8160 15.072 1 .000 23.755 4.800 117.572
[Marital Rape=3]
4.052 .8295 23.864 1 .000 57.517 11.317 292.314
[Marital Rape=4]
5.084 .8479 35.954 1 .000 161.467 30.643 850.827
[Subtle Force]
-1.162 .2756 17.770 1 .000 .313 .182 .537
[Moderate Force]
-.702 .2773 6.407 1 .011 .496 .288 .853
[Extreme Force]
0a . . . . 1 . .

.058 .0092 40.372 1 .000 1.060 1.041 1.079
Attitude Towards Women

.024 .0148 2.544 1 .111 1.024 .995 1.054
(Scale)
1b

Table 3.
Parameter Estimate Table Displaying the Interaction Effects on Perception of Marital Rape.
Hypothesis Test
Wald Chi-
Parameter B Std. Error Square df Sig.
Threshold [Marital Rape=0]
-.653 1.5280 .182 1 .669
[Marital Rape =1]
.832 1.4973 .309 1 .578
[Marital Rape =2]
2.145 1.4924 2.065 1 .151
[Marital Rape =3]
3.028 1.4957 4.097 1 .043
[Marital Rape =4]
4.064 1.5050 7.293 1 .007
[Subtle Force=1]
-1.637 1.9416 .711 1 .399
[Moderate Force=2]
-3.092 2.0797 2.211 1 .137
[Extreme Force=3] a
0 . . . .
.070 .0170 17.124 1 .000
AttitudeTowards Women’s Role
-.005 .0293 .031 1 .861
[Subtle] * AcceptanceRapeMyth
-.016 .0221 .524 1 .469
[Moderate] * AcceptanceRapeMyth
-.018 .0226 .672 1 .412
[Extreme] * AcceptanceRapeMyth a
0 . . . .
[Subtle] * AttitudeTowardsWomen
.024 .0367 .425 1 .514
[Moderate] * AttitudeTowardsWomen
.059 .0399 2.154 1 .142
[Extreme] * AttitudeTowardsWomen a
0 . . . .
(Scale) b
1

Appendix A
Attitudes towards Women Scale (Spence, Helmrich & Stapp, 1978) – Short version Instructions:
The statements listed below describe attitudes toward the roles of women in society which
different people have. There is no right or wrong answers, only opinions. You are asked to
express your feeling about each statement by indicating whether you (A) agree strongly, (B)
agree mildly, (C) disagree mildly, or (D) disagree strongly
1. Swearing and obscenity are more repulsive in the speech of a woman than of a man.
A. Strongly agree B. Mildly agree C. Mildly disagree D. Strongly disagree
2* Women should take increasing responsibility for leadership in solving the intellectual and
social problems of the day.
3.* Both husband and wife should be allowed the same grounds for divorce.
4. Telling dirty jokes should be mostly a masculine prerogative.

5. Intoxication among women is worse than intoxication among men.

6.* Under modern economic conditions with women being active outside the home, men should
share in household tasks such as washing dishes and doing the laundry.
7.* It is insulting to women to have the "obey" clause remain in the marriage service.
8.* There should be a strict merit system in job appointment and promotion without regard to
sex.
9.* A woman should be free as a man to propose marriage.

10. Women should worry less about their rights and more about becoming good wives and
mothers.
11.* Women earning as much as their dates should bear equally the expense when they go out
together
12.* Women should assume their rightful place in business and all the professions along with
men.
13. A woman should not expect to go to exactly the same places or to have quite the same
freedom of action as a man.
14. Sons in a family should be given more encouragement to go to college than daughters.
15. It is ridiculous for a woman to run a locomotive and for a man to darn socks.
16. In general, the father should have greater authority than the mother in the bringing up of
children.
17. Women should be encouraged not to become sexually intimate with anyone before marriage,
even their fiancés.
18.* The husband should not be favored by law over the wife in the disposal of family property
or income.
19. Women should be concerned with their duties of childbearing and house tending rather than
with desires for professional or business careers.
20. The intellectual leadership of a community should be largely in the hands of men.
21.* Economic and social freedom is worth far more to women than acceptance of the ideal of
femininity which has been set up by men.
22. On the average, women should be regarded as less capable of contributing to economic
production than are men.
23. There are many jobs in which men should be given preference over women in being hired or
promoted.
24.* Women should be given equal opportunity with men for apprenticeship in the various
trades.
25.* The modern girl is entitled to the same freedom from regulation and control that is given to
the modern boy.
In scoring the items, A=0, B=1, C=2, and D=3 except for the items with an asterisk where the
scale is reversed. A high score indicates a profeminist, egalitarian attitude while a low score
indicates a traditional, conservative attitude.
Spence, J.T., Helmreich, R., & Stapp, J. (1973). A short version of the Attitudes toward Women
Scale (AWS). Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society, 2, 219-220.
Spence, J.T. & Helmreich, R.L. (1978). Masculinity and femininity: Their psychological
dimensions, correlates, and antecedents. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press.

Appendix B
Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale

Appendix C
Vignettes with American Residents
Subtle Force:
One night Barbara and John; both New York City residents attending Graduate school, went on a
dinner date. Barbara and John have been married for 3 years and both grew up in New York
City. Following the dinner, Barbara and John went back to their apartment and watched a late
night television series. While watching the series, John put his arm around Barbara and asked her
if she wanted to have sex. Barbara told him “no” but John ignored her response. John embraced
her, lifted her skirt and completed the act of intercourse.
Moderate Force:
City. Following the dinner, Barbara and John went back to their apartment and watched a late
night television series. While watching the series, John put his arm around Barbara and asked her
if she wanted to have sex. Barbara told him “no” but John ignored her response. John grabbed
her shoulders, pinned her down and completed the act of intercourse.
Extreme Force:
City. Following the dinner, Barbara and John went back to their apartment to catch a late night
television series. While watching the series, John put his arm around Barbara and asked her if
she wanted to have sex. Barbara told him “no” but John ignored her response. John grabbed her
by the hair, threw her to the couch, forced himself on top of her and completed the act of
intercourse.
Appendix D
1. To what extent was Barbara in control of the situation?

0 – Not at all 1- Very little 2- Somewhat 3-To a great extent 4- Completely
2. To what extent was the incident influenced by Barbara’s lack of responsibility for the situation?
3. To what extent was the incident influenced by Barbara’s desire for intercourse?
4. To what extent did Barbara lead John on?

5. To what extent was the situation influenced by John’s misunderstanding of Barbara’s behavior or
desires?
6. To what extent was the situation influenced by John’s inability to stop the incident?
7. To what extent was the situation influenced by John’s excessive sex drive?
8. To what extent was the situation influenced by John’s responsibility?

9. To what extent would Barbara be psychologically damaged?

10. To what extent was John violating Barbara’s rights?

11. Would you characterize the intercourse as rape?

0 – Definitely 1- Probably 2- Possibly 3- Probably rape 4- Very 5. Definitely
not rape not rape rape probably rape rape
12. To what extent was the incident violent?

0 – Not violent at 1- Slightly 2- Moderately 3-Very Violent 4- Extremely
all violent violent violent
13. In your opinion, does Tim deserve punishment?

0 – Not at all 1- Possibly 2- Probably 3-Definitely
14. If you think that John deserves punishment, how severe should it be?
0 – Very light 1- Mild 2- Moderate 3- Harsh punishment 4- Very severe
Punishment punishment punishment punishment
Appendix E
Demographic Questions
Q1. What gender do you identify with?
1. Masculine □
2. Feminine □
Q2. What is your age? (Mark X to the option that best applies)
1. 17-19 □
2. 20-22 □
3. 23-25 □
4. > 25 □
Q3. Please specify your race. (Mark X to all the applies)
1. White □
2. Hispanic or Latino □
3. Black or African American □
4. Native American or American Indian □
5. Asian / Pacific Islander □
6. Other □ Please specify___________
Q4. Kindly select your status as a student
1. In state student □
2. Out of state student □
3. International student □
Q5. Kindly state your nationality ___________________
Citizenship: If you were born in the USA, please specify how you received your citizenship.
1. Born □
2. Naturalized □
If naturalized, where were you born? __________________________
(Responses would be coded based on region)
Q6. How long have you lived in the United States
1. Less than 5 years □

2. 6-11 years □
3. 12-17 years □
4. All my life □
Q7. What is your current major? ____________________

Q8. Kindly select your current year of study.
1. 1st Year □
2. 2nd Year □
3. 3rd Year □
th
4. 4 Year □
Q9. Kindly state your marital status
1. Single □
2. Married □
3. Living common law □
4. Separated □
5. Divorced □
6. Widowed □
Q10. Have you ever been a victim of rape?
1. Yes □
2. No □

Marital Rape Perception and Impact of Force

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City University of New York (CUNY)

CUNY Academic Works

Student Theses John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Marital Rape Perception and Impact of Force

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A Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

For the Masters in Forensic Psychology

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

City University of New York

Date: May 2017

Historical Context of Marital Rape……………………………………………5

Factors Impacting Rape Perceptions…………………………………….…….8

Rape and Level of Force ……………………………………………………...9

Impact of Marital Rape………………………………………………………..11

Current Study …………………………………………………………………12

Research Design ………………………………………………………………13

Level of Force …………………………………………………………………17

Rape Myth Acceptance and Attitude towards Women’s Role………………...18

Conclusion and Recommendations for Future Studies ………………………..23

prevention of marital rape.

Keywords: marital rape, physical force, myth, gender role

based on controlling aspects of the female body.

A number of studies examining rape by intimate partners as a percentage of the total

of sexual assaults of adult women were perpetrated by a husband or lover.

Historical Context of Marital Rape

House for Marital Rape and Date Rape, 2005).

as a violation of individual human rights of spouses (Heise & Gottmoeller, 2002).

crime against himself.

Monson, Langhinrichsen-Rohling & Binderup, 2000). Social Constructionism is a general term

raping their wives.

sex without fear of repercussions of such acts.

not only identification but to treatment.

Factors Impacting Rape Perceptions

often shunned by your family and community (Kim et al., 2016).

Rape and Level of Force

their will by the use of psychological pressure, physical force or threat

(www.thefreedictionary.com, 2017). Furthermore, the touchstone of coercion/type of force used

Basile (2002) highlighted the type of coercion/force involved in intimate partner

bullied and humiliated by their partner into participating in unwanted sex.

the different levels of physical force were not studied.

Impact of Marital Rape

raped by their husbands compared to those raped by strangers reported a consistently

1985; Martin et al., 2007).

frightening memory of being raped.

influence of one’s gender role attitudes on the perception of marital rape.

influences perception of marital rape.

scenario is perceived as rape.

Criminal Justice (n=100) and Forensic Psychology (n=104).

asked a series of questions relating to the vignettes followed by a series of demographic

affectionate), whereas high scores indicate an endorsement of masculine sex-role stereotypes

found a high Cronbach’s alpha of .81.

found a Cronbach’s alpha of .93.

violation of her rights.

Demographic Questions. Demographic questions (Appendix E) were asked to conduct

have ever been a victim of rape.

profeminist/egalitarian attitude and lower scores indicated a more traditional/conservative

indicated a rejection of rape myths and lower scores indicated an acceptance.

p=.011 (Table 2).

Rape Myth Acceptance and Attitude towards Women’s Role

between married couples.