The Groundbreaking Case that Helped Make Spousal Rape Illegal

All Of It with Alison Stewart | Dec 1, 2025

When Greta Rideout pressed charges against her husband John in 1978, spousal rape was only considered a crime in four states. Rideout was one of the first women to press rape charges against her husband, opening the door for making marital rape a crime across all 50 states. Author Sarah Weinman discusses her new book on the subject, Without Consent: A Landmark Trial and the Decades-Long Struggle to Make Spousal Rape a Crime.

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

Top Stories

Local Races to Watch in NY and NJ

NY unemployment recipients brace for delays during system upgrade

Defending the Midterms from Donald Trump

Advice To Help Navigate Conflict Productively

YOU ARE ONLINE