The process of bringing a rape charge to trial was often very difficult. The victim had to prove that she had been raped, and this could be very hard to do, especially if there were no witnesses. In some cases, the victim might be forced to undergo a trial by ordeal, in which she would have to prove her innocence by walking through fire or hot water.
If a man was found guilty of rape, he would be severely punished. In addition to the punishments mentioned above, he might also be forced to wear a sign that proclaimed his crime. This was meant to shame him and deter others from committing the same crime.
The laws against rape were not always enforced equally. In some cases, wealthy and powerful men were able to escape punishment for rape, even if they were found guilty. This was because they could afford to pay bribes or hire lawyers to defend them.
Despite the difficulties, there are many cases of women who were successful in bringing their rapists to justice in the Middle Ages. These cases show that the law was not always on the side of the powerful, and that women were able to fight back against sexual assault.
