Hi, all - just to make a point about spousal rape: it is a criminal act; it is an act of control; it is an act of violence; it is committed by one spouse against the other.

If you have been forced to submit to unwanted sexual activity by your spouse and you are left feeling dirty, ashamed, and frightened, FILE A REPORT with your local police department.

The damage that lingers from spousal rape is impossible to measure. They don't rape their spouses because they "love" them or have a burning "desire" that "must be met." They rape because they want to cause pain, humiliation, fear, and shame.

If children are in the home, they are very aware of what goes on behind closed doors, EVEN if they don't witness the crime, personally. Dad (typically) comes out of the room all smug and arrogant, and mom (again, typically) comes out of the room shameful, fearful, and obviously degraded. Kids pick up on every nuance within their parents' relationship, so don't fool yourself!

Always remember: rape is an act of violence and control and has nothing to do with sexuality. Additionally, men can also be victims of rape, though this crime is rarely reported or documented.