Question:
“I have a baby girl and am eight months pregnant again. My husband beats me excessively, and I was forced to come to my father’s house. I return a few times on my own, but he never asks about me. It’s been almost five months now. He doesn’t want me to leave and uses abusive language when calling or messaging. He agreed to let me go to his house but always says he will give me a divorce, which I don’t want. He is intoxicated, and now I don’t know what to do. I am the mother of two children. Whenever legal authorities or society try to intervene, he becomes angrier, and the abuse worsens. I fear for my life due to his violent behavior. Please provide good advice.”
Answer:
You are in an extremely dangerous situation, and your safety and the safety of your children should be your top priority. In Bangladesh, domestic violence is a serious issue, and you have the right to seek protection under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act. This law allows you to file a complaint against your husband for physical, emotional, and verbal abuse.
Here’s what you can do:
- File a Complaint: You should immediately file a police report (First Information Report or FIR) against your husband for domestic violence. This will allow authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
- Seek Protection Orders: Under the Domestic Violence Act, you can seek a protection order from the court, which will prohibit your husband from approaching you and ensure your safety.
- Seek Legal Separation: If your husband is threatening you with divorce or if you want to end the marriage, you can file for divorce under the Family Court. You can also request custody of your children.
- Reach Out for Support: Seek help from organizations that specialize in supporting victims of domestic violence. There are many NGOs in Bangladesh that provide counseling, legal advice, and even temporary shelters for women in abusive situations.
- Maintain Evidence: Keep a record of all abusive messages, calls, and any physical evidence of abuse (like photos of injuries). This evidence will be important in court.