By In the city of Multan in Punjab province, police have arrested a man accused by his wife of not only engaging in non-consensual and unnatural sexual acts during intercourse but also of subjecting her to severe sexual violence when she resisted, resulting in serious injuries.
A preliminary medical report, conducted after a police request, confirms that the woman had injuries and swelling on her breasts and genital areas.
The 19-year-old victim alleges that this form of sexual violence has been ongoing for the past three years. She claimed that when she initially told her mother-in-law about the abuse, she was scolded and silenced with the response: “This is normal in a husband-wife relationship.”
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the victim, on the night of May 17 at around 11 PM, her husband came home and began “violent” sexual activity, including forced unnatural intercourse. She stated that this was not the first time he had done this.
The FIR further alleges that when the woman resisted, her husband began to violently assault her. She claimed that he bit her breasts and body and used his hands to tear and injure her uterus.
The woman said she screamed during this “brutal assault,” prompting neighbors to gather and call the police helpline. She requested a medical examination and legal action against her husband.
The FIR was officially registered on May 18 under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code (rape).
What does the initial medical report say?
According to the initial medical report conducted on the morning of May 19, the victim had both new and old injuries on her body. The report noted bite marks on both sides of her breasts and swelling inside her vaginal area. There were also visible injuries on both sides of her vagina. Some older injury marks were also observed on her body.
“I thought it was my husband’s right”
The 19-year-old woman told the media that she had been facing similar abuse since her marriage three years ago. Initially, when she tried to speak to her mother-in-law, she was scolded and told not to talk about it as “it’s normal between a husband and wife.”
She said that over time, the violence escalated and became so extreme during the last incident that she fainted.
She admitted that she once believed this behavior might be her husband’s right. “He only assaulted me during sex and would act like a beast. I used to cry, but he showed no mercy. When I tried to resist, he would say, ‘Go to your mother’s house, I’ll marry someone else.’”
While the FIR mentions that neighbors gathered when they heard her screams, the woman claims she lost consciousness after the last assault and later went to her uncle’s house, where she disclosed everything, and they contacted the police.
“More charges may be added once full medical report is available”
Station House Officer (SHO) Imran Gul said that the case was initially registered under Section 376 (rape), and further charges may be added depending on the detailed medical report.
He added that forensic samples from the victim and suspect will be sent for testing. The suspect is currently in police custody on remand and will be presented in court again.
A senior lawyer noted that such cases are on the rise where women are subjected to violence within marriage. He said that although the FIR includes rape charges, it currently lacks sections related to assault and causing injury.
He added that these sections might be included later based on the medical report, which is a common practice in such cases. He emphasized the need for legal reform and greater sensitivity from law enforcement to ensure justice for victims.
“Women usually don’t report such abuse”
Dr. Kanwal Zaheer, who works in the gender-based violence department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s health department, said that abuse during sex and non-consensual intercourse are rarely reported by women. Based on her experience, she said most women even hesitate to tell female doctors about such abuse and often try to hide it.
She recalled a case where an educated woman came to her severely injured and frightened. After treatment, Dr. Zaheer urged her to report the incident, but she refused and didn’t want any help.
Dr. Samia Syed, Karachi’s police surgeon, said that only three such cases were reported last year, but this year the numbers have increased.
Dr. Zaheer emphasized the importance of reporting such abuse.
What are the reasons behind violence during sex?
Psychologist Dr. Ahsan Naveed explained that one possible reason is the influence of violent pornographic content. He said that the desire for dominance can lead men to ignore their partner’s consent. Such behavior may stem from personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder.
He stressed that any form of physical or sexual abuse within marriage should not be seen as “normal” but as a serious crime.
He also pointed out that lack of sexual education and the taboo surrounding conversations about sex contribute to the problem.
Dr. Samia Syed said that deeply rooted patriarchal mindsets and outdated societal norms are major causes of such abuse. “If a woman tries to talk about it, she is shamed and told it’s a private matter.”
