Awareness of marital rape in marriages has been growing, but it remains a sensitive and often misunderstood issue. Many societies historically ignored or condoned it, often influenced by traditional views of marriage and gender roles, where a husband's sexual access to his wife was considered a given. However, increasing awareness of individual rights, gender equality, and legal protections has brought attention to the harm and violation involved in marital rape. Campaigns by activists, legal reforms, and international human rights advocacy have contributed to this shift, but cultural barriers and legal loopholes still exist in many places.
Before you continue listening to this episode, I do want to warn you that this episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including marital rape, sexual assault, and explicit language which may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. I strongly advise you to proceed with caution and prioritize your well-being. Viewer discretion is advised, and I encourage anyone affected by these topics to seek support from trusted resources or professionals.
I’ve always try to enlighten any heavy taboo topics I have mentioned on my podcast and I’ve also have given you my personal experiences as well. My experiences when it comes to marital rape may be minor, but it’s still something I want to share with you. So if you are interested in hearing my experiences and what you can do to not only help yourself and the people you may know that is going through this, keep listening because you don’t want to miss this episode.
USING BIBLE VERSES
Growing up in the Christian religion, I have heard and known people for using bible verses to manipulate wives to having sex with their husbands. Several Bible verses speak to the relationship between husbands and wives, often emphasizing mutual respect, love, and roles within marriage. However, it's important to note that the Bible promotes mutual care and submission in marriage, not unilateral domination. Here's a selection of verses I found that commonly referenced regarding submission, though they should be understood in the broader context of love, respect, and mutual submission:
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (ESV)
"The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control."
This passage emphasizes mutual authority and respect between husband and wife in sexual relations, highlighting the importance of consent and care for each other’s needs.
Ephesians 5:22-25 (NIV)
"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
While this verse discusses submission, it must be balanced with verse 25, which commands husbands to love their wives sacrificially, like Christ. The focus is on mutual love and respect, not one-sided authority.
Colossians 3:18-19 (NIV)
"Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them."
This reinforces the idea that submission should be paired with loving leadership, rejecting any harsh or unkind treatment.
1 Peter 3:1, 7 (NIV)
"Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives." "Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
Again, submission is presented alongside the command for husbands to be considerate and respectful toward their wives.
These verses are often interpreted as encouraging a mutual, loving partnership where both husband and wife care for each other emotionally and physically. They do not advocate for forced submission or exploitation but emphasize mutual responsibility and respect in marriage.
HMONG CULTURE
In the Hmong culture, discussions of marital rape are rare, and traditional gender roles heavily influence perceptions of marriage. Historically, the Hmong community is patriarchal, with men holding decision-making authority and women expected to fulfill traditional duties as wives and mothers. Cultural silence around sexual matters and strong family structures make it difficult for women to address or report marital rape, as discussing marital issues outside the home can be considered taboo. Many women feel obligated to submit to their husbands due to cultural norms that prioritize family unity and honor. However, advocacy groups, particularly in Hmong communities in Western countries, are working to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence, including marital rape, while confronting these long-standing cultural barriers.
Despite these efforts, progress is slow, and many women remain reluctant to speak out, fearing social stigma and isolation. Traditional practices, such as mediation by clan elders, often prioritize keeping couples together rather than addressing the harm caused by abuse.
DIRECT LINK TO SOURCES:
HF 15 BILL
Minnesota House File 15 (HF 15), passed in 2023, repeals the state’s "marital rape exception," which previously prevented spouses from being prosecuted for raping their partner if they were legally married and sexually active. This law had allowed perpetrators to avoid prosecution even in cases where the victim was drugged or unconscious. HF 15 ensures that a marital relationship cannot be used as a legal defense for sexual assault, closing a loophole that previously protected perpetrators under certain conditions.
This legislative change was influenced by the case of a Minnesota woman, Jenny Teeson, who was denied justice after her ex-husband drugged and raped her, and the law failed to recognize it as a prosecutable offense due to their marriage. The bill received unanimous support in the Minnesota House, highlighting a significant step forward in protecting victims of sexual violence, regardless of marital status.
DIRECT LINKS TO SOURCES:
Bill:
Articles:
Videos:
NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or sexual assault, it is important to seek help. The National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential assistance 24/7. You are not alone, and support is available. Whether you're looking for immediate support, resources, or guidance on your next steps, reaching out can be a crucial step toward safety and healing. Don't hesitate to contact them for help.
Website: https://rainn.org/resources
Chat Online: online.rainn.org
Phone: 800-656-4673
Additional Available Services For:
-Sexual assault and harassment
-Domestic and dating violence
-Other victims of crime such as human tracking, missing and exploited children
Stay love & bless!
❤️Yours Druelee
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