Shalini A. had been a victim of domestic abuse since the first week of her marriage. What slowly started as verbal abuse from her husband’s family, quickly turned into physical abuse from her husband. It took nearly two years and a few broken bones to give Shalini the courage to walk away. She finally approached the a National Commission for Women helpline number who helped her find a safe space as well as take the appropriate legal action. Last month, 3 years after her ordeal began she was able to not only secure a divorce but also ensure that her husband and his family faced severe legal consequences.
Shalini A. had been a victim of domestic abuse since the first week of her marriage. What slowly started as verbal abuse from her husband’s family, quickly turned into physical abuse from her husband. It took nearly two years and a few broken bones to give Shalini the courage to walk away. She finally approached the a National Commission for Women helpline number who helped her find a safe space as well as take the appropriate legal action. Last month, 3 years after her ordeal began she was able to not only secure a divorce but also ensure that her husband and his family faced severe legal consequences.
What should you do if you find yourself in the same situation as Shalini did?
First and the most important thing is to remember that it is not your fault. We are hard wired to indulge in victim blaming, even if we ourselves are the victims in the situation. Domestic violence is any wilful act committed by the spouse and his/her family, against the other spouse and causes grave injury or puts at risk life, limb or mental wellbeing. You need to remove yourself from the situation; there are many organisations including the NCW that runs 24×7 helplines and can get you out of harm’s way. There are plenty of safeguards in the Indian legal system. Section 498 A makes dowry harassment a crime, while the Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act 2005 covers a the entire gamut of physical, emotional, mental, sexual and economic abuse.
If possible you should journal or record the abuse in terms of photos, messages, emails etc; this is easier to do in cases of physical abuse. This will help you provide evidence that can lead your abusers to jail. Even after you have filed a complaint, you cannot be forced to leave your matrimonial home. So many women are afraid to confront their abusive spouses because they believe that getting a divorce because is abuse will disqualify them from maintenance claims or custody. This is simply not true, no matter what the circumstances of the divorce, you will have full rights to raise a claim of alimony and child support. In some cases the courts have even directed the spouse to pay monetary compensation to the victim.
Domestic violence isn’t just a legal issue as it is a criminal act, but it is also a societal issue in addition to being a public health concern. If you or someone you know are in this situation, do not hesitate to get help and get yourself out danger. getmeadivorce.com is staffed by expert lawyers and counsellors who can help you navigate your way to a safer future. Talk to us today, remember you don’t have to suffer — there are options available for you to start a new chapter in life.
