This issue matters to me because every woman deserves respect, safety, and the right to say no. Marriage should not take away a woman’s consent or dignity.

In India, the marital bond is one that should be built on mutual love, respect, and understanding. However, a glaring issue stands out – the lack of legal protection for women against rape within their own marriages. Marital rape remains unrecognized as a criminal offense, leaving countless women vulnerable in their own homes.

According to a report by NFHS-4 (National Family Health Survey), over 30% of married women in India have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their spouses, yet the law turns a blind eye when these egregious acts occur within marriage. The current legal framework devalues a woman’s autonomy and reduces her consent to a mere formality once she enters marriage, perpetuating a gross violation of human rights.

Marital rape is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal problem that affects the very fabric of our communities by fostering violence and inequality. Recognizing marital rape as a punishable crime would not only provide justice for survivors but also serve as a preventive measure, emphasizing that violence by intimate partners will not be tolerated.

Other nations have taken this important step forward, with over 150 countries worldwide recognizing marital rape as a criminal offense. It is time for India to join this list and demonstrate its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women.

Our government has the power to make a vital change by amending the Indian Penal Code to explicitly criminalize marital rape. We urge lawmakers to listen to the voices of survivors, advocates, and citizens who demand protection and justice for women.

Sign this petition to demand the legal acknowledgment of marital rape as a punishable crime in India. Together, we can strive for a society where every woman is safe, respected, and empowered to make decisions about her own body, free from fear or coercion.