The Cameroonian Penal Code [CRLP/ACAFEJ English version] "punishes any person who by physical or moral violence forces a woman, including an adolescent, to have sexual relations with him. The punishment is imprisonment of five to ten years" (CRLP/ACAFEJ 2000, 13). Furthermore, incest is punished by a term of imprisonment of one to three years and a fine ranging from 20,000 CFA francs (US$31.84) to 500,000 CFA francs (US$795.94) (ibid.). On the issue of marital rape, [CRLP/ACAFEJ English version] "legal opinion in Cameroon appears to be divided, and case law reflects a cautious attitude" (ibid.).

According to the Centre for Reproductive Law and Policy (CRLP) and the Association of Women Jurists of Cameroon (Association camerounaise des femmes juristes, ACAFEJ):

[CRLP/ACAFEJ English version]

Domestic violence – both physical and emotional – is common in Cameroon. This practice is encouraged by judges' acceptance of the principle that a man has "disciplinary rights" over his wife. Factors leading to violence include a wife's refusal to have sexual relations and a husband's alcoholism.

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The Cameroonian courts hear few incest cases. Persons who are the victims of incest often refrain from filing complaints, often out of shame, a desire to protect the family, or out of fear of becoming social outcasts (ibid.).

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