Women With Severe Mental Illness and Marital Rape

Abstract

Marital rape has been socially and culturally normalized within marriage. It becomes a subtle form of violence against women with severe mental illness who cannot negotiate on sexual matters with their partner. This study aims to critically analyze empirical studies to see how women with severe mental illness can be at risk of being sexually abused by their intimate partner, its impact on their life, what protects them from abuse, historical framework, the role of mental health professionals, need of research on marital rape of men and a way forward. Mental health professionals need to consider all these factors and provide community-coordinated care and support.