The author claims that battered women's shelters and rape crisis centers are not adequately addressing the problem of wife rape. This inadequate response of service providers reflects the general lack of public concern with the issue and larger society's ambivalence toward the problem. In this regard, she notes that, although raping one's wife is a crime in all 50 States, in most States a husband is exempt from prosecution in some situations. These situations include times when a wife is mentally or physically impaired, unconscious, or asleep. Wife rape is one result of male domination, both within the home and larger society. The solution to the problem is elimination of the economic, political, and social oppression of all women. The author attempts to define wife rape; investigates causes and some efforts at coping with wife rape; describes two agencies' response; and suggests policy changes. There is a resource guide for survivors of wife rape, and sources to call for more information. Notes, appendixes, references, index