Expert: Marital Rape More Prevalent Than You Think

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A women’s advocacy group sharing horror stories of women sexually abused by their spouses. Members are calling on government officials to address the issue instead of taking the easy way out.

Vaughnique Toote takes a look in this edition of “When Love Hurts”.

The stories will shock you.

It’s an issue that not only impacts the victims but their children.

Successive governments have tossed about the idea of criminalizing marital rape. However, the necessary legislation has yet to make it to parliament. It begs the question, is there a political will to make it happen.

Members of advocacy and support group women united warned against taking the easy way out in this discussion.

State Minister for Social Services, Lisa Rahming has said a proposed gender-based violence (GBV) bill will likely address marital rape but she was unable to say what kind of penalties will be associated with such complaints or provide a timeline for the completion of the bill.

The proposed legislation has not yet gone before cabinet. Minister of Social Services Obie Wilchcombe declined to express a view on the controversial issue.