British Woman Wins Rape Suit Against Husband

A 40-year-old mother of five, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has made British legal history by suing and winning damages from her ex-husband for rape.

Her husband paid her 14,000 pounds ($23,000) last November for the 1992 rape that occurred in their former home, but the woman hasn't felt comfortable talking about it until now. She said she still feels "if he wasn't my husband he would have been put away for what he did."

Although she felt the whole thing had been a "terrible ordeal," she said "it has been worth it, especially if it helps other women." In support of civil courts, she said, "I would urge all women to use them in their fight for justice."

Media Resources: Associated Foreign Press - September 10, 1997

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