Marital rape is a type of family violence which largely has been ignored. Definitions of marital rape and information on the incidence of the problem are summarized. Based on a review of the research available, the family context of marital rape is described. Salient characteristics of the husband and wife as well as the children in families where marital rape occurs are identified to the extent to which they have been currently examined by researchers and clinicians working in the area. Implications of this description of the family context of marital rape are drawn in terms of research, family intervention, and education.