Letters to the Editor

Monday, July 10, 2017

Dear Editor,

The review of the Sexual Offences Act on the issue of marital rape has sparked and highlighted many conversations that place women within our society at a major disadvantage.

To our detriment, some men, and sadly women, partaking in the marital rape discourse are of the view that women within marital unions cannot be raped and are essentially equal to sexual slaves. This perception historically stems from religious fundamentalists that believe a woman within her marital union cannot be raped because she consented to non-consensual sex when she said 'yes' at the altar. Arguments of this nature consequentially transform our women into disposable inanimate objects.

This view of marriage within our society is highly dangerous for our women. A narrative that argues a married woman cannot be raped by her husband is a minefield for domestic violence. I am concerned that men and women within marital unions will view this contract as a means to abuse their partners.

If Jamaica is serious about developing into a healthy and safe society for our women, children and men we need to look beyond religious fundamentals when talking about issues such as marital rape.

The fact is, rape is rape, whether you are married or not.

Policymakers should aim to protect our women regardless of her status or creed. This is certainly a human right obligation we have to our nation's holistic development.

Kimberly Roach

kimberlyoroach@hotmail.com