Patriarchy was the law of the land in the 1500s therefore, wife-beating was permitted for what was called “correctional purposes”. What correctional purposes could call for a wife to be beaten? 
Rape and domestic violence have been made acceptable because of patriarchal laws and beliefs passed down. The patriarchal laws protected the man from punishment when a woman was beaten or raped by her husband. Even if he was punished it was nowhere as harsh as the beating, he had given her.
Laws were created for the benefit of men, especially white men. Women have always been thought of as inferior. Black women most often were thought of as less than inferior. History shows that black men and women and/or slaves were referred to as animals and beasts.
Rape culture is not new. We have always had a culture where rape, abuse, and crimes against women have been acceptable. Now the sons of the patriarchs are following in the footsteps of their forefathers. Rape, trafficking, and other crimes against girls and women are out of control.
The 1970s brought about the beginning of Women’s rights. Women were no longer staying silent and accepting the patriarchal laws and beliefs that have been forced on them.
Women have used their voices to speak out against the patriarchal laws that have cultivated the Rape culture and the pandemic of domestic violence.
In 2021 we, women, are still hindered by patriarchal laws. We are still fighting for equal rights at home and in the workplace.
