Sexual abuse and other forms of violence are not aberrations, but are the result of deep-seated normative strain and conflict within the social structure. Although laws do not explicitly condone the use of physical force against women, coercive measures have historially been sanctioned to ensure the subordination of women in a male-dominated society. Psychiatric institutions have generated explanations of sexual assault which focus on individual psychopathology, even though research has shown that the majority of rapists are neither insane nor mentally retarded. According to Dr. A.N. Groth, rape is a sexual expression of power and anger. However, many explanations of rape blame the victim. In addition, sex role socialization of both males and females have fostered social or dating rape, the most prevalent, yet least reported form of rape. In addition, only 11 States allow a husband to be prosecuted for rape, even though marital rape is an expression of power and hostility. The nature of abuse in general and of sexual abuse in particular must be researched, based on an examination of the role of of women from a historical perspective. Ten references are listed.