Legal Definitions - prior-relationship rape

Definition: Prior-relationship rape is a type of rape that occurs between two people who have had a significant relationship, often of a romantic nature. It is a form of sexual assault committed by someone with whom the victim has had a prior association.

Examples: Examples of prior-relationship rape include sexual assault committed by a former partner, a friend, or a family member. It can also occur between cohabitants or spouses. For instance, if a woman is forced to have sex by her ex-boyfriend or husband against her will, it is considered prior-relationship rape.

Explanation: Prior-relationship rape is a serious crime that can have long-lasting effects on the victim's physical and mental health. It is a form of sexual assault that occurs between two people who have had a prior relationship, which can make it difficult for the victim to come forward and report the crime. The examples illustrate how prior-relationship rape can occur between people who have had a significant association, and how it can happen in different types of relationships.