NCJ Number
99783
Date Published
1984
Length
63 pages
Annotation
Incest and marital rape are discussed, with attention to the social and legal attitudes toward sexual abuse within the family, the psychological effects of such victimization, and psychological characteristics of family sexual offenders.
Abstract
Among the areas explored in a discussion of marital rape are the wife's reluctance to admit the rape, the lack of options for such victims, and recognizable cycles in marital rape. An examination of incest focuses on father-daughter situations, describes the dynamics of the incestuous relationship, along with the victim's feelings of rage against her mother, the long-term effects of incest on the victim, and emphasizes that the blame always lies with the adult actively involved. Also profiled are men who rape their wives or molest their children; such offenders embrace strict sex role stereotypes, feel that whatever they do is within their privilege as men, and are rigid, emotionally distant individuals. Also discussed are the roles of strict religious views and alcohol abuse. A review of current statutory law on marital rape and 28 references are appended.