Citation

Bennice JA, Resick PA. Trauma Violence Abuse 2003; 4(3): 228-246.

Affiliation

University of Missouri-St Louis, Center for Trauma Recovery, St Louis, MO 63121, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1524838003004003003

PMID

14697124

Abstract

Despite the increased recognition that the topic of marital rape has generated in the past 2 decades, the literature in this area remains sparse. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current state of the marital rape literature. First, the lengthy history of legal, cultural, and professional invalidation of marital rape victims, and the resulting negative treatment implications, is discussed. Second, marital rape research is reviewed, including prevalence, descriptive, and comparison studies. This review highlights the seriousness of marital rape, in terms of prevalence and posttrauma distress, as well as the limitations of extant research. Finally, barriers to treatment and recommendations for professionals are discussed.

Language: en