Bahamas Crisis Centre Volunteer: Much of Marital Rape is Rooted in Domestic Violence

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The issue of marital rape, dominating headlines once again. This week officials from The Bahamas Crisis Centre coming together to once again call on government to change the definition of rape in the Sexual Offenses Act.

While agreeing with Prime Minister Philip Davis’ notion that “rape is rape”, they still insist more needs to be done.

For volunteer at the centre and Deputy Director Dr. Camille Smith, there’s a deeper problem.

This, she explains, is rooted in our cultural background.

In 2022, the government drafted a bill that would criminalize marital rape and released it for consultation. Then Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the bill would likely need a few months’ consultation and projected it would be tabled in parliament by the end of 2023, but parliament prorogued before that could happen. 

However, in August, the government passed a Protection Against Violence Bill which the prime minister feels protects against violence.

Last May, Attorney General Ryan pinder said outlawing marital rape was the number one human rights issue countries raised with The Bahamas when the united nations human rights commission reviewed its record in April.

Many have opposed the bill first drafted in 2022 including some in the Christian community.