Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

In-laws sued over ‘abusive’ marriage

by NADEEM BADSHAH

A WOMAN sued her former in-laws for abuse suffered during her marriage, the first known case involving a British Asian victim to emerge since laws tackling controlling behaviour were unveiled.


The unnamed victim launched a legal case against her former husband and former in-laws for compensation, presenting a claim for harassment and personal injury.

The woman, from the West Midlands, also made a claim for her jewellery, money and personal possessions to be returned due to the “emotional and psychological” abuse she faced during the six-month marriage.

According to her lawyer, Alia Ali, she was subjected to a “daily oppressive regime of housework and chores”, verbal abuse and banned from leaving the house which led to her suffering depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The woman was given an out of court settlement under laws introduced in 2015 making coercive control a criminal offence which includes emotional and psychological abuse.

Ali, a partner at law firm Merali Beedle, told Eastern Eye: “She was expected to adhere to strict rules, some of these included dietary requirements, curfews, limited contact with close family and friends.

“She was often instructed to cook and clean on a daily basis, alongside a fulltime job. This was not only strenuous, but it also had a direct impact on her health both physically and mentally.

“Prior to her marriage to her former husband, they spent a few weeks getting to know each other. She was often reassured that he came from an open minded, educated family, with similar goals and aspirations to herself.

“They seemed compatible for one another and she felt confident that they were a good match. Having lived with her husband and in-laws, it soon appeared this was not the case.”

Ali added: “She was subjected to verbal abuse, name-calling, in-laws eavesdropping on her conversations, questions about her whereabouts and also been made to disclose personal details about her life.

“She was not allowed to go out with her husband and was told to be a “traditional daughter in law who served her in laws”.

“She received strict instructions to fall pregnant by a set date.

“She was later abandoned by her inlaws and husband at her father’s doorstep in the early hours of the morning and then decided to peruse a legal claim of harassment for wrongful retention of property and for the emotional abuse.”

In 2006, Gina Singh, from Nottingham, received £35,000 in compensation after suing her mother-in-law Dalbir Kaur Bhakar for harassment in a civil claim.

The law changed four years ago to make coercive control a criminal offence.

Ali said some south Asian women are suffering in silence and are unaware the abuse they are enduring is illegal.

She said: “This is a problem in our communities as not enough women speak out and many are not aware that there is recourse within our existing legal system.

“Currently I have one client that has issued proceedings recently. Another one is contemplating bringing a claim.

Ali added: “This type of abuse is very prevalent in south Asian and Indian cultures. It happens but is not spoken about and is not exposed.

“There is of course the stigma of raising this as an issue which is one of the reasons that people who are experiencing this type of abuse are afraid to speak out.

“They may be victims of ‘gaslighting’ which is where a person is manipulated psychologically to such an extent that they begin to doubt their own sanity.

”The issue here is more concerning as the victim who is experiencing this abuse

may not be able to recognise it.”

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less