Marital rape is a serious problem in this country. However, in 36 states, husbands are protected from prosecution by a marital rape exemption. The origins of this exemption are found in antiquated patriarchal concepts of women. The State is reluctant to abolish the exemption because of the fear that abolition will further the disintegration of the patriarchal family and will shift the balance of power between women and the male State. Feminist social workers must work toward the eradication of this exemption and the patriarchal structure on which it is based.
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