Rape is an issue on which feminists around the world have had their legal, social and philosophical perspectives in recent years. For many years, interpretations of rape and related laws have been based on traditional sexist perspectives that define relationships between women and men in society. In many countries there exists a patriarchal worldview informed by cultural and religious ideologies that holds that a woman's legal and social status depends on her relationship with her husband and that of unmarried people with their brothers or fathers. As a result, rape often constitutes not a violation of women's rights but a violation of men's rights. When unmarried a woman belongs to her brothers and father, but once married she belongs to her husband, especially in terms of exclusive sexual access. For most countries, proving rape based on a sexist perspective in a legal system has been difficult. Mandal, (2014) states that the two forms of law which included substantive law and evidence and procedure law did not support women because they were based on the traditional view of female and male sexuality. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Pressure from a man and pretending to be unavailable to a woman was considered the norm in sexual relationships. This perception of sexual intercourse between a couple easily made it difficult to prove rape. In most cases, rape required a court proceeding to demonstrate the use of pressure or force and physical resistance. A woman had to provide evidence accompanied by other sources as evidence to prove rape. In the present day, feminists have forced changes in regulations regarding rape. According to an article published by Channel NewsAsia (2018) Singapore is one of the countries whose feminists have protested against marital rape. At the national level, the Women's Association for Action and Research (AWARE) has been a strong advocate for changing marital immunity for rape. The organization has been accepted as one that consistently works to improve the status of women through policy change at the government level. Furthermore, the association ensures that legal advice is provided to women especially those affected. The group also raises awareness on gender issues. The government's recognition of feminist advocacy demonstrated its lack of tolerance for violence against women even in marriage. Feminist groups in Singapore argue that repeal is not enough, as traditions should be changed through public awareness of gender roles. Changing perceptions of gender roles will help eliminate harmful gender expectations. Additionally, AWARE has been more careful about changing penalties for offenders, such as longer sentences and more canings to deter rapists. The association also supports implementing programs and partnering with more organizations to increase communication and improve learning about rape as a way to increase reporting of sexual crimes. In the United States, the first mention of marital rape occurred in 1978, a case that changed legal and social attitudes toward sexual abuse in marriages. Mandal, (2014) Greta Rideout's report of sexual abuse by her husband to Salem Women's Crisis Service led to a case. Her husband was accused of raping his wife. Oregon was.
tags