Mauritius Parliament: Marital Rape Now Criminalised with Harsher Sentences

• Mauritius has criminalised marital rape and imposed harsher sentences for femicide.
• The new law aims to protect victims who have long gone unheard and unprotected.
• One in four Mauritian women has experienced gender-based violence, according to government figures.
• The Domestic Abuse Act widens the definition of domestic abuse to include same-sex relationships.
• Marital rape carries a sentence of 10 to 45 years, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for femicide.

Mauritius has taken a significant step towards protecting its citizens from domestic abuse, with parliament unanimously voting to criminalise marital rape and impose harsher sentences for femicide. The new law is a response to the alarming rate of violent attacks against women, which have exposed serious gaps in protection. According to government figures, one in four Mauritian women has experienced gender-based violence. This is not just a matter of statistics; it's about the human cost of inaction. The country has witnessed nine women being killed by their partners or family members in 2025 alone, with four more deaths reported this year.

The new law is part of a broader effort to reform the criminal code and provide stronger safeguards for victims. The Domestic Abuse Act, passed on July 10th, 2026, widens the definition of domestic abuse to include same-sex relationships. This is a crucial step towards ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, are protected from violence and abuse. The law also introduces harsher sentences for femicide, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Marital rape carries a sentence of 10 to 45 years, making it clear that marriage is no longer a shield against prosecution.

The new law sends a powerful message: violence and abuse will not be tolerated in Mauritius. It's a recognition that the family unit can sometimes be the most brutal place for women, and that it's time to hold perpetrators accountable. The reforms empower organisations like Passerelle, which support female victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, to tell victims that the system is listening and that they will be protected. This is not just about punishing crimes; it's about creating a culture of respect and safety for all.

Lawyers advising clients in Mauritius should be aware of the new harsher sentences for femicide and marital rape, which can now carry a sentence of up to 45 years. They should also advise clients on the implications of the expanded definition of domestic abuse under the new law.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica Mauritius