Latest items for LRW-LAW-1
Oct. 24, 2026, 2:59 p.m.
Countries: Austria, France
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Some EU states, such as France and Austria, still have a legal definition of rape based on the use of violence or threats" (para 2).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Some EU states, such as France and Austria, still have a legal definition of rape based on the use of violence or threats" (para 2).
Oct. 24, 2026, 2:58 p.m.
Countries: Croatia, Greece, Spain
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Sixteen European countries have changed their legal definitions of rape in recent years, with some countries such as Croatia, Spain and Greece changing it according to the principle of "yes means yes" (i.e. the absence of active consent is all this is needed to prove rape)" (para 2).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Sixteen European countries have changed their legal definitions of rape in recent years, with some countries such as Croatia, Spain and Greece changing it according to the principle of "yes means yes" (i.e. the absence of active consent is all this is needed to prove rape)" (para 2).
Oct. 24, 2026, 2:47 p.m.
Countries: Czech Republic
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"President Petr Pavel signed an amendment on Friday which will change the definition of rape in Czech law from forced to non-consensual sexual intercourse. The change will apply from January of next year... Sixteen European countries have changed their legal definitions of rape in recent years, with some countries such as Croatia, Spain and Greece changing it according to the principle of 'yes means yes' (i.e. the absence of active consent is all this is needed to prove rape), while others, like Czechia, have changed it according to the 'no means no' principle (i.e. physical or verbal coercion doesn't have to be proven and a lack of consent can be...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"President Petr Pavel signed an amendment on Friday which will change the definition of rape in Czech law from forced to non-consensual sexual intercourse. The change will apply from January of next year... Sixteen European countries have changed their legal definitions of rape in recent years, with some countries such as Croatia, Spain and Greece changing it according to the principle of 'yes means yes' (i.e. the absence of active consent is all this is needed to prove rape), while others, like Czechia, have changed it according to the 'no means no' principle (i.e. physical or verbal coercion doesn't have to be proven and a lack of consent can be...more
Oct. 23, 2026, 11:41 p.m.
Countries: Cyprus
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"In November 2020, reforms were introduced to the Criminal Code CAP.154.The legal framework of sexual assault by penetration and rape before November 2020, could be characterized as deficient, outdated and potentially inadequate for the needs of the 21st century society. The definition of rape has been reformed and expanded so as to effectively tackle any action that should have been criminalized, but also specific provisions have been introduced which address sexual assault by penetration. The essence of these amendments lies in the fact that it has removed numerous ‘conditions' that previously had to be satisfied prior to assigning liability to perpetrators. The classes of people being able to take an...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"In November 2020, reforms were introduced to the Criminal Code CAP.154.The legal framework of sexual assault by penetration and rape before November 2020, could be characterized as deficient, outdated and potentially inadequate for the needs of the 21st century society. The definition of rape has been reformed and expanded so as to effectively tackle any action that should have been criminalized, but also specific provisions have been introduced which address sexual assault by penetration. The essence of these amendments lies in the fact that it has removed numerous ‘conditions' that previously had to be satisfied prior to assigning liability to perpetrators. The classes of people being able to take an...more
Oct. 23, 2026, 10:44 p.m.
Countries: Papua New Guinea
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"I've witnessed little girls being raped. I've witnessed women being tortured" (para 20). (EP-CODER-COMMENT) Quote comes from Lorena, a woman from PNG who works with survivors.
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"I've witnessed little girls being raped. I've witnessed women being tortured" (para 20). (EP-CODER-COMMENT) Quote comes from Lorena, a woman from PNG who works with survivors.
Oct. 23, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
Countries: Czech Republic
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Following in the footsteps of over a dozen European countries and as part of its platform to combat sexual and domestic violence, the Czech Republic is preparing to reform the legal framework to base the definition of rape on the absence of consent rather than mere physical violence. Acting after pressure from a vocal campaign and large-scale protests spearheaded by Amnesty International Czech Republic and local NGO Konsent, the government announced in April it would propose a new draft legal definition of rape which could be submitted to parliament in June" (para 2-3). "'The current definition is based solely on the use of violence and does not cover all cases...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Following in the footsteps of over a dozen European countries and as part of its platform to combat sexual and domestic violence, the Czech Republic is preparing to reform the legal framework to base the definition of rape on the absence of consent rather than mere physical violence. Acting after pressure from a vocal campaign and large-scale protests spearheaded by Amnesty International Czech Republic and local NGO Konsent, the government announced in April it would propose a new draft legal definition of rape which could be submitted to parliament in June" (para 2-3). "'The current definition is based solely on the use of violence and does not cover all cases...more
Oct. 16, 2026, 11:09 p.m.
Countries: Cuba
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2
“The penal code criminalized rape of women and men, including spousal rape, as well as domestic or intimate partner rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence, including so-called corrective rape of LGBTQI+ persons. It separately criminalized abuses against both genders. The penalty for rape stipulated at least seven years’ imprisonment…The government generally enforced the law effectively regarding rape. Several reports from women’s rights advocacy groups, however, suggested that crimes against women were underreported and that the state failed to investigate many cases” (38).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2
“The penal code criminalized rape of women and men, including spousal rape, as well as domestic or intimate partner rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence, including so-called corrective rape of LGBTQI+ persons. It separately criminalized abuses against both genders. The penalty for rape stipulated at least seven years’ imprisonment…The government generally enforced the law effectively regarding rape. Several reports from women’s rights advocacy groups, however, suggested that crimes against women were underreported and that the state failed to investigate many cases” (38).
Oct. 16, 2026, 11:06 p.m.
Countries: Croatia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law criminalized rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape and domestic violence. The law was enforced in most cases. Sentences ranged from fines to jail, depending on the crime’s severity. Rape, including spousal rape, was punishable by a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment. Domestic violence was punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment. The law provided for stricter penalties for violence against closely related family members and violence against women. Sexual intercourse without consent was classified as rape and was punishable by three to 10 years’ imprisonment. The law provided sanctions (fines and up to 90 days’ imprisonment) for misdemeanor domestic violence” (20-21).more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law criminalized rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape and domestic violence. The law was enforced in most cases. Sentences ranged from fines to jail, depending on the crime’s severity. Rape, including spousal rape, was punishable by a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment. Domestic violence was punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment. The law provided for stricter penalties for violence against closely related family members and violence against women. Sexual intercourse without consent was classified as rape and was punishable by three to 10 years’ imprisonment. The law provided sanctions (fines and up to 90 days’ imprisonment) for misdemeanor domestic violence” (20-21).more
Oct. 16, 2026, 11:05 p.m.
Countries: Cote D'Ivoire
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRW-DATA-1, LRCM-LAW-2, DV-LAW-1
“The law prohibited rape of men and women and provided for prison terms of five to 20 years for perpetrators. The law provided for a rebuttable presumption of consent in marital rape cases. The court could impose a life sentence in cases of gang rape if the rapists were related to or held positions of authority over the survivor, or if the survivor was younger than 18. The law did not specifically address domestic violence and intimate partner violence or mandate special penalties for these acts. Authorities did not consistently enforce these laws effectively. Human rights organizations reported family members and community leaders often informally mediated rape accusations without survivor...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRW-DATA-1, LRCM-LAW-2, DV-LAW-1
“The law prohibited rape of men and women and provided for prison terms of five to 20 years for perpetrators. The law provided for a rebuttable presumption of consent in marital rape cases. The court could impose a life sentence in cases of gang rape if the rapists were related to or held positions of authority over the survivor, or if the survivor was younger than 18. The law did not specifically address domestic violence and intimate partner violence or mandate special penalties for these acts. Authorities did not consistently enforce these laws effectively. Human rights organizations reported family members and community leaders often informally mediated rape accusations without survivor...more
Oct. 16, 2026, 11:01 p.m.
Countries: Costa Rica
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law criminalized rape of men or women, including spousal and domestic or intimate partner rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence, as well asso-called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The law provided penalties from 10 to 18 years in prison for conviction of rape. The government generally enforced the law effectively. Observers noted corrective rape cases frequently were not reported” (15).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law criminalized rape of men or women, including spousal and domestic or intimate partner rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence, as well asso-called corrective rape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The law provided penalties from 10 to 18 years in prison for conviction of rape. The government generally enforced the law effectively. Observers noted corrective rape cases frequently were not reported” (15).
Oct. 16, 2026, 10:57 p.m.
Countries: Congo
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law prohibited rape, including spousal rape, and prescribed sentences of between 10 and 20 years in prison and monetary fines based on the severity of the crime. The law was written to cover only women; in the country’s legal vernacular, “rape” was used exclusively in cases involving women survivors, while “indecent assault” was used in cases of rape of men. Authorities made efforts to enforce the law, but judgments often took years to be rendered and penalties applied. NGOs and women’s advocacy groups reported rape, especially spousal rape, was common. Judicial sector personnel reported no prosecutions for spousal rape due to the need for courts to institutionalize the law,...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law prohibited rape, including spousal rape, and prescribed sentences of between 10 and 20 years in prison and monetary fines based on the severity of the crime. The law was written to cover only women; in the country’s legal vernacular, “rape” was used exclusively in cases involving women survivors, while “indecent assault” was used in cases of rape of men. Authorities made efforts to enforce the law, but judgments often took years to be rendered and penalties applied. NGOs and women’s advocacy groups reported rape, especially spousal rape, was common. Judicial sector personnel reported no prosecutions for spousal rape due to the need for courts to institutionalize the law,...more
Oct. 15, 2026, 10:30 p.m.
Countries: Comoros
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“Rape regardless of age or gender was illegal and punishable by five to 10 years’ imprisonment or up to 15 years if the survivor was younger than age 15. The law did not specifically address spousal rape but being married to a survivor did not exonerate the perpetrator. Authorities prosecuted perpetrators if survivors filed charges; otherwise, authorities rarely enforced the law. There were reports families or village elders settled many allegations of sexual violence informally through traditional means and without recourse to the formal court system” (14-15).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“Rape regardless of age or gender was illegal and punishable by five to 10 years’ imprisonment or up to 15 years if the survivor was younger than age 15. The law did not specifically address spousal rape but being married to a survivor did not exonerate the perpetrator. Authorities prosecuted perpetrators if survivors filed charges; otherwise, authorities rarely enforced the law. There were reports families or village elders settled many allegations of sexual violence informally through traditional means and without recourse to the formal court system” (14-15).
Oct. 15, 2026, 10:27 p.m.
Countries: Colombia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law prohibited rape of women or men, including spousal rape. Rape by a spouse or a current or former cohabitant or co-parent was an aggravated offense that was treated under the law as a violent sexual assault. There were no laws specifically on ‘corrective rape.’ The law provided for sentences ranging from eight to 30 years’ imprisonment for violent sexual assault. For acts of spousal sexual violence, the law mandated prison sentences of six months to two years” (30).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law prohibited rape of women or men, including spousal rape. Rape by a spouse or a current or former cohabitant or co-parent was an aggravated offense that was treated under the law as a violent sexual assault. There were no laws specifically on ‘corrective rape.’ The law provided for sentences ranging from eight to 30 years’ imprisonment for violent sexual assault. For acts of spousal sexual violence, the law mandated prison sentences of six months to two years” (30).
Oct. 15, 2026, 10:24 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, DV-PRACTICE-1
“Rape of women was illegal and carried a sentence ranging from three years in prison to death. The law did not recognize spousal rape or rape by a person of the same sex. A separate law on sexual assault included male victims but had a lesser maximum penalty of five years in prison. Most allegations of rape were closed through private settlement rather than prosecution…The government did not effectively enforce laws against rape and domestic violence” (63-64).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, DV-PRACTICE-1
“Rape of women was illegal and carried a sentence ranging from three years in prison to death. The law did not recognize spousal rape or rape by a person of the same sex. A separate law on sexual assault included male victims but had a lesser maximum penalty of five years in prison. Most allegations of rape were closed through private settlement rather than prosecution…The government did not effectively enforce laws against rape and domestic violence” (63-64).
Oct. 15, 2026, 10:16 p.m.
Countries: Chile
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law criminalized rape of women or men, including spousal and domestic or intimate partner rape. Penalties for conviction of rape ranged from five to 15 years’ imprisonment” (11).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law criminalized rape of women or men, including spousal and domestic or intimate partner rape. Penalties for conviction of rape ranged from five to 15 years’ imprisonment” (11).
Oct. 15, 2026, 10:12 p.m.
Countries: Chad
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-4, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law provided that rape, including rape of women refugees, was punishable by up to 30 years in prison. The law did not specifically address spousal rape, corrective rape of LGBTQI+ persons, the gender of survivors, or domestic violence. Nevertheless, rape was a problem. Police often detained alleged perpetrators, but rape cases were rarely tried. Authorities fined and released most rape suspects, according to local media. Communities sometimes compelled rape survivors to marry their attackers” (26).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-4, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law provided that rape, including rape of women refugees, was punishable by up to 30 years in prison. The law did not specifically address spousal rape, corrective rape of LGBTQI+ persons, the gender of survivors, or domestic violence. Nevertheless, rape was a problem. Police often detained alleged perpetrators, but rape cases were rarely tried. Authorities fined and released most rape suspects, according to local media. Communities sometimes compelled rape survivors to marry their attackers” (26).
Oct. 15, 2026, 10:05 p.m.
Countries: Central African Rep
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-PRACTICE-1, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law criminalized all forms of physical and sexual violence, as well as sexual exploitation. The law prohibited rape of all persons regardless of gender, although it did not specifically prohibit spousal rape. Rape was punishable by imprisonment with hard labor, but the law did not specify a minimum sentence. The government did not enforce the law effectively” (30-31).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-PRACTICE-1, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law criminalized all forms of physical and sexual violence, as well as sexual exploitation. The law prohibited rape of all persons regardless of gender, although it did not specifically prohibit spousal rape. Rape was punishable by imprisonment with hard labor, but the law did not specify a minimum sentence. The government did not enforce the law effectively” (30-31).
Oct. 1, 2026, 8:24 p.m.
Countries: Cape Verde
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRCM-LAW-1
“Conviction for rape of women and men was punishable by eight to 16 years’ imprisonment, and conviction for domestic violence was punishable by one to five years’ imprisonment. The law implicitly covered spousal rape; penalties for conviction ranged from one to five years’ imprisonment. The law called for increasing protection of victims, raising awareness of gender-based violence, and establishing several care centers with financial and management autonomy, but implementation lagged due to inadequate staffing. The government did not always enforce laws against rape and domestic violence effectively. Gender-based violence and discrimination against women were significant problems” (8-9).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRCM-LAW-1
“Conviction for rape of women and men was punishable by eight to 16 years’ imprisonment, and conviction for domestic violence was punishable by one to five years’ imprisonment. The law implicitly covered spousal rape; penalties for conviction ranged from one to five years’ imprisonment. The law called for increasing protection of victims, raising awareness of gender-based violence, and establishing several care centers with financial and management autonomy, but implementation lagged due to inadequate staffing. The government did not always enforce laws against rape and domestic violence effectively. Gender-based violence and discrimination against women were significant problems” (8-9).
Sept. 14, 2026, 9:35 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"You are generally expected to testify in person. Questions are often asked around the details of sexual acts and might be uncomfortable for you. In Azerbaijani law the absence of consent is considered as rape, however in practice the absence of torn clothes, or physical injury may be seen as consent, although in all cases it will be subject to investigation. Testimony in the courtroom will be in front of the accused. The accused’s family members can attend the court hearing. The vast majority of judges in Azerbaijan are male" (para 42).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"You are generally expected to testify in person. Questions are often asked around the details of sexual acts and might be uncomfortable for you. In Azerbaijani law the absence of consent is considered as rape, however in practice the absence of torn clothes, or physical injury may be seen as consent, although in all cases it will be subject to investigation. Testimony in the courtroom will be in front of the accused. The accused’s family members can attend the court hearing. The vast majority of judges in Azerbaijan are male" (para 42).
Sept. 14, 2026, 9:04 p.m.
Countries: Austria
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"In the case of rape, coercive means such as violence, threats or the exploitation of a present danger to life or limb must be present. These means force the victim to submit to the sexual act even though they do not want to do so voluntarily. Violence against a person: This is physical violence used against the victim to break their resistance. Deprivation of personal liberty: The victim's freedom of movement is so severely restricted that they have no way of resisting or escaping. Threat of imminent danger to life or limb: This includes threats that put the victim in fear so that they believe they are in danger. The...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"In the case of rape, coercive means such as violence, threats or the exploitation of a present danger to life or limb must be present. These means force the victim to submit to the sexual act even though they do not want to do so voluntarily. Violence against a person: This is physical violence used against the victim to break their resistance. Deprivation of personal liberty: The victim's freedom of movement is so severely restricted that they have no way of resisting or escaping. Threat of imminent danger to life or limb: This includes threats that put the victim in fear so that they believe they are in danger. The...more
Sept. 7, 2026, 7:09 p.m.
Countries: Armenia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Article 198 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia (Violent sexual actions) prescribes the following: 1. 2. Sexual intercourse or other actions of sexual nature, including imitation of sexual intercourse or satisfying sexual needs, committed against the will of the victim or by ignoring his or her will, by use or threat of use of violence against the victim or another person, or by taking advantage of the helpless state of the victim — shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of three to six years" (13).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Article 198 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia (Violent sexual actions) prescribes the following: 1. 2. Sexual intercourse or other actions of sexual nature, including imitation of sexual intercourse or satisfying sexual needs, committed against the will of the victim or by ignoring his or her will, by use or threat of use of violence against the victim or another person, or by taking advantage of the helpless state of the victim — shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of three to six years" (13).
Sept. 7, 2026, 6:27 p.m.
Countries: Armenia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"'Rape and sexual assault are both criminal offences in Armenia, but conviction rates remain low, and judicial proceedings are likely to take a long time. It is very likely that victims will be asked to testify in front of third parties, and there is no legislation to punish those violating the confidentiality of a victim'" (para 3). "Ani Jilosian of the Women’s Support Center in Yerevan claimed in a podcast titled 'against shame culture' that many victims of domestic violence and other forms of sexual violence in Armenia are 'forced to undergo' virginity tests" (para 7).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"'Rape and sexual assault are both criminal offences in Armenia, but conviction rates remain low, and judicial proceedings are likely to take a long time. It is very likely that victims will be asked to testify in front of third parties, and there is no legislation to punish those violating the confidentiality of a victim'" (para 3). "Ani Jilosian of the Women’s Support Center in Yerevan claimed in a podcast titled 'against shame culture' that many victims of domestic violence and other forms of sexual violence in Armenia are 'forced to undergo' virginity tests" (para 7).
Aug. 29, 2026, 11:40 p.m.
Countries: France
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1
"The debate around consent and sexual violence in France has intensified in the wake of Gisèle Pelicot. Between 2011 and 2020, her now ex husband drugged her and invited dozens of men to assault her while she was unconscious. The case forced a national reckoning with the idea that marriage could ever imply sexual entitlement. Last year, France updated its criminal code to define rape based on lack of consent, not just violence or coercion" (para 5).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1
"The debate around consent and sexual violence in France has intensified in the wake of Gisèle Pelicot. Between 2011 and 2020, her now ex husband drugged her and invited dozens of men to assault her while she was unconscious. The case forced a national reckoning with the idea that marriage could ever imply sexual entitlement. Last year, France updated its criminal code to define rape based on lack of consent, not just violence or coercion" (para 5).
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:08 p.m.
Countries: Tanzania
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
“(ii) Violence against women: A further gap exists in the regulation of violence against women. While rape is criminalised, there is no specific legislative response to domestic violence” (80).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
“(ii) Violence against women: A further gap exists in the regulation of violence against women. While rape is criminalised, there is no specific legislative response to domestic violence” (80).
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:08 p.m.
Countries: Sudan
Variables: INFIB-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-1
“The Criminal Act prohibits rape, though marital rape is not prohibited and women in Muslim marriages are expected to obey their husbands. The Penal Code prohibits female genital mutilation” (77).
Variables: INFIB-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-1
“The Criminal Act prohibits rape, though marital rape is not prohibited and women in Muslim marriages are expected to obey their husbands. The Penal Code prohibits female genital mutilation” (77).
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:07 p.m.
Countries: South Sudan
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
”South Sudan has however adopted legislation to combat violence against women and certain harmful practices. The Penal Code prohibits rape, female genital mutilation, and forced marriage. In addition, the Child’s Act prohibits early marriage, though no specific minimum age for marriage is provided in the Act or the Constitution. The Constitution states that every person of marriageable age has the right to marry according to their respective family laws - which has serious implications on child marriage since certain community customs define the end of childhood as the attainment of puberty. However, in a widely publicised case, a court annulled the marriage of a 16-year-old girl. There is thus potential...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
”South Sudan has however adopted legislation to combat violence against women and certain harmful practices. The Penal Code prohibits rape, female genital mutilation, and forced marriage. In addition, the Child’s Act prohibits early marriage, though no specific minimum age for marriage is provided in the Act or the Constitution. The Constitution states that every person of marriageable age has the right to marry according to their respective family laws - which has serious implications on child marriage since certain community customs define the end of childhood as the attainment of puberty. However, in a widely publicised case, a court annulled the marriage of a 16-year-old girl. There is thus potential...more
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:59 p.m.
Countries: Malawi
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
“(ii) Marital rape: Another key gap in Malawi’s laws relates to marital rape, which is not unequivocally outlawed. Malawi’s Penal Code defines rape as unlawful carnal knowledge with a woman or girl without her consent, however, courts have held that this does not extend to marriage: “The question has been raised whether a wife can lawfully refuse intercourse at any time, that is to say, irrespective of custom and place, etc. in this connection, it would seem reasonable for a respectable wife to refuse her husband, e.g., in a public place in front of other people. But in a normal way, I doubt whether she can do so... It has...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
“(ii) Marital rape: Another key gap in Malawi’s laws relates to marital rape, which is not unequivocally outlawed. Malawi’s Penal Code defines rape as unlawful carnal knowledge with a woman or girl without her consent, however, courts have held that this does not extend to marriage: “The question has been raised whether a wife can lawfully refuse intercourse at any time, that is to say, irrespective of custom and place, etc. in this connection, it would seem reasonable for a respectable wife to refuse her husband, e.g., in a public place in front of other people. But in a normal way, I doubt whether she can do so... It has...more
Aug. 12, 2026, 1:55 p.m.
Countries: Bahamas
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRCM-LAW-2, DV-PRACTICE-1, DV-LAW-1
"The law criminalized rape of men and women; however, spousal rape was not a crime. The maximum penalty for an initial rape conviction was seven years in prison. The maximum sentence for subsequent rape convictions was life imprisonment. The Domestic Violence (Protection) Orders Act protected heterosexual partners against domestic and sexual violence. Similar protections were not available for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The government generally enforced the law effectively, although activists suspected heterosexual and homosexual rape were underreported” (13).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRCM-LAW-2, DV-PRACTICE-1, DV-LAW-1
"The law criminalized rape of men and women; however, spousal rape was not a crime. The maximum penalty for an initial rape conviction was seven years in prison. The maximum sentence for subsequent rape convictions was life imprisonment. The Domestic Violence (Protection) Orders Act protected heterosexual partners against domestic and sexual violence. Similar protections were not available for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The government generally enforced the law effectively, although activists suspected heterosexual and homosexual rape were underreported” (13).
Aug. 12, 2026, 1:52 p.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRCM-PRACTICE-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“Rape of a person, regardless of gender, was illegal, and conviction carried a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The government enforced the law in some cases but not others such as spousal rape, resulting in inadequate enforcement of the law” (52).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRCM-PRACTICE-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“Rape of a person, regardless of gender, was illegal, and conviction carried a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The government enforced the law in some cases but not others such as spousal rape, resulting in inadequate enforcement of the law” (52).
Aug. 12, 2026, 1:49 p.m.
Countries: Austria
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRCM-LAW-2
“Rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, was punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment; domestic violence was punishable under the criminal code provisions for murder, rape, sexual abuse, and bodily injury. The government generally enforced the law, and the law enforcement response to rape and domestic violence was generally effective. In May, two of three Afghan men involved in the 2021 drugging, rape, and murder of a girl, age 13, were convicted of rape and murder; they received sentences of life and 20 years. The third man involved was convicted in December 2022” (12-13).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRCM-LAW-2
“Rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, was punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment; domestic violence was punishable under the criminal code provisions for murder, rape, sexual abuse, and bodily injury. The government generally enforced the law, and the law enforcement response to rape and domestic violence was generally effective. In May, two of three Afghan men involved in the 2021 drugging, rape, and murder of a girl, age 13, were convicted of rape and murder; they received sentences of life and 20 years. The third man involved was convicted in December 2022” (12-13).