Unless it is by previously agreed "role play", "no" means "no" .

However, when someone says "no" in a relationship, for me it would indicate a serious dysfunction in the relationship, and probably signal the time to consider ending it.

Theologically, in marriage, one surrenders control of his/her body to his/her partner.

My study is focused on the biological "causes" and the evolution of rape behavior but I'm also simply interested in opinions on it.

Wait, what???? If you're in a relationship and she says "no," it's a serious dysfunction?? So, she basically has sold herself into slavery if she wants a relationship with you. She's not allowed to not want what you want whenever you want it? Dude, that's creepy.

"studying this topic"................ yah, I'm betting it's got nothing to do with a school paper or thesis....

I would not "force" a partner, so if she said "no", she would be physically safe . However, when one enters into marriage, both people, as part of the "covenant" surrender "self" to a greater "us", so if one, or the other, denies his/her partner, then it is a violation of the covenant.

Frankly, I can't remember ever being told "no", even in a dating relationship. I've heard, or given the response, of "a little later", now and then, but an overt, rejecting "no", not since I was 15. If it were to happen, I'd respect it, but then feel that the "covenant" had been violated, and perfectly justified in exiting the relationship. What would be the point of 'committment" in marriage, if one or the other felt that he/she was only committed to do that which he/she felt like doing, and no obligation towards his/her partner?

First things first. Rape is an act of violence, not sex. Just because someone is involved in a sexually intimate relationship does not give the other person a right to take what is not freely given.

Rape can be physically forced or even emotionally/psychologically coerced.

What causes it? Well, I suppose the same things that cause stranger rape: the wish to exert physical control over another person AGAINST THEIR WILL, for whatever reason.

A person's body is their own. There is no contract, social, religious, or legal that allows another person to inflict their will upon the others body without consent.

Ahhh, you might be surprised. My daughter is a Jr in college and taking a literature course. She had to read a book called "Daughters of Joy, Sisters of Misery: Prostitutes in the American West, 1865-90". She said they were studying immigrants and apparently, immigrant prostitutes. Before that they had to read a bunch of stories that revolved around children being brutally murdered, but from a lighthearted standpoint. How the hell is that even possible!??

So, OP having to write an essay about or study the subject of rape, sounds very plausible to me.

For gawds sake, I sure hope your daughter was smart enough to find her sources for information someplace OTHER than a free dating site's Forums....

However, when one enters into marriage, both people, as part of the "covenant" surrender "self" to a greater "us", so if one, or the other, denies his/her partner, then it is a violation of the covenant.

Yes, rape is possible even in marriage now. It was not that long ago that most State courts held that rape between man and wife was not possible; now in most states it is. There are a variety of rapes; someone who has reached the age of majority with someone considered a minor can be determined rape; even if he is 18 and she is 17 and willing. Although the age of consent can vary from state to state. At one time in one southern state that age was 9! - Splendere

would be horrifying for this to happen...would also be harder to report because you know the person...Makes me sick to think about something like this - Oceane1979

I'm a 58 year old man, with a fairly strong sex drive "for my age". I'm living with a 31 year old woman, and her sex drive is stronger than mine, at this point in life. So, while if it were merely based on my sex drive, we'd probably have sex 4-5 times a week, but for her, it's an everyday need, and some days, more than once.

If I go with the flow, I can "get in the mood", so when she expresses desire, I will let things develop. To say "no", just because it's not what I was ready for in the moment, would be selfish, and rejecting. it would be saying that all that matters is what I "feel like", and that would deny the whole point of "relationship", where each is doing his his/her best to be resonsive to the partner's need.

So, while I don't think "rape" is ever justified, I also think its selfish, and a rejection of "partnership" for one to deny the other.