Of course, this is Call The Midwife, so the episode ends on a hopeful note: Matthew promises to help Sandy secure a lawyer, she thanks Sister Veronica for encouraging her to speak up and, while her story isn’t wrapped up neatly, it is implied that the young mother will find a way to become free of her abusive husband.

It is vital that we remember, though, that Sandy is the exception, not the rule. Because marital rape remains legal in many countries, including Uruguay, Panama, Chile, Honduras, Ecuador and El Salvador.

In these countries, rape in marriage is not a criminal offence unless the victim can prove that she suffered additional violence. In Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala and Nicaragua, rape in marriage is perfectly legal.

The fight, then, must continue. Because, as Derby Rape Crisis group said in 1990: “Recognising marital rape is a crime [acts as] a signal to all men contemplating marital rape that society no longer tolerates the medieval idea that marriage is the wife signing away her rights over her own body.”

And, while marital rape is at last a crime in the UK, we must, all of us, do what we can to help other women around the world, even if all we can do is offer our support. Because as Sandy tells Sister Veronica: “When I saw you shouting, I knew I could shout too.”

You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, for free and in confidence, 24-hours a day via 0808 2000 247.

Call The Midwife airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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