Respected Sir/Madam,
My name is Taseena Kausar. I am writing this email with great pain and fear for myself and my young daughter.
For many years, I have been facing mental harassment, abuse, fights and threats from my husband Salman, his mother and brother. My husband drinks alcohol, comes home and creates problems, breaks household items and scares me.
Around 2 years ago, my husband met with a serious accident and underwent two operations. During that difficult time, I stayed with him in the hospital day and night, spent my money on his treatment and took care of him completely.
But after recovering, he changed completely. Now he stays away from me and my daughter, talks to another woman day and night and is trying to leave us. His family is also supporting this situation and because of all this, my life has become very painful and stressful.
I am emotionally and financially broken. I am only requesting help, protection and justice for myself and my daughter.
I request you to kindly look into my situation and help me.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Taseena Kausar
Dear @Taseena_Kausar,
I am deeply sorry to hear about the frightening and painful situation you and your young daughter are enduring. Please know that the physical intimidation, mental harassment, and financial abandonment you have described are illegal, and you have strong legal rights to protect yourself, your child, and your home.
You do not have to face this alone. Here are the immediate and legal steps you can take to secure your safety and get justice:
1. Immediate Helplines for Safety
If you or your daughter feel immediately threatened by your husband’s behavior, especially when he is intoxicated, please prioritize your physical safety.
- Women’s Helpline: Dial 1091 or 181 for immediate domestic violence support, counseling, and emergency intervention.
- Police Emergency: Dial 112 for immediate police assistance if he becomes violent or breaks household items.
2. Seek Protection Under the Domestic Violence Act
Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), you have specific rights that protect you from his family’s actions:
- Right to Residence: You have the legal right to live in your matrimonial home. Your husband and his family cannot legally evict you or force you out, regardless of who owns the property.
- Protection Orders: A magistrate can issue an order legally prohibiting your husband and his family from communicating with you, harassing you, or committing any further acts of violence.
- Maintenance: Your husband is legally bound to provide financial support for both you and your daughter, even if he is trying to abandon you.
3. File a Police Complaint (FIR)
You should visit your nearest Women’s Police Station (Mahila Thana) and file a formal written complaint against your husband, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law for cruelty and mental harassment (under Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, formerly Section 498A of the IPC).
4. Access Free Legal Aid
You do not need to worry about being financially broken to fight this. In India, women are entitled to free legal representation. You can approach the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) at your local district court, and they will assign a lawyer to help you file for maintenance and protection orders at zero cost.
Could you please reply with your city and state so that we can help you find the exact contact numbers for your local Women’s Commission, DLSA office, and nearby NGOs that specialize in domestic violence support?