A secret world of sex : the British experience 1900-1960. Pt. 5, Acts of violence.

The series examines sexual attitudes and behaviour throughout the first half of this century. Pregnancy as a result of rape or a sexual relationship outside marriage could result in a woman being consigned to a mental hospital. Venereal disease was identified with sin until it became treatable with penicillin. Years later, witnesses speak of the experiences which damaged or distorted their lives. Extract from archive newsreels, feature film and public information films illustrate their stories. "Part 5: Acts of Violence" This episode looks at the ways in which many early 20th. century women suffered sexual harrassment and rape in silence, daunted by the guilt imposed on them by ignorance, fear and an inflexible moral code. Pregnancy as a result of rape or an illicit sexual relationship often resulted in the woman being consigned to a mental hospital or a strictly run home for unmarried mothers, or being pressured into a disastrous marriage. Years later, women speak of the experience which damaged or distorted their lives.