Question
The relationship is eight years old. My husband and I got married two and a half years ago, since he was a student and I am divorced, so I did not tell him at home. My husband said he will tell me about a job. After one year of our marriage, my house started pressuring me for marriage, then my husband told my house that he married me. And the matter is accepted in my house. After a year of telling at our house, my husband told at his house that he will accept me, marry me. But they say they don’t agree so my husband will go somewhere with me if they don’t agree to his house. After this, he took the phone somewhere else and took the phone. I called whoever was his relative, he blocked me. If you go to their house, the local people will not be able to do anything. Because his father is a leader and the police are also on their side. I have all the proofs. The boy is being held hostage in a jail where the money can be exchanged. You may know that there are many such institutions. And I can know this with the correct information. Who can I go to for help in this situation?
Answer
If you are facing a situation where your husband is being controlled by his family and is being held hostage, there are several steps you can take:
- Contact Local Authorities: If there are threats, coercion, or physical harm involved, police intervention is necessary. Since you mentioned that his father has influence over local authorities, you might want to contact the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or file a case at a higher police station for intervention.
- Legal Protection: You can file for protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act if you feel that your safety is at risk. Your case could also be brought before the Family Court or Criminal Court if it involves criminal acts.
- Seek Assistance from NGOs: There are many non-governmental organizations like BRAC, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), and Nijera Kori that work on women’s rights issues and can help you. They can provide legal assistance and guidance on dealing with marital disputes and hostage-like situations.
- Gather Evidence: Keep all records of your communication with your husband and his family, including text messages, voice recordings, and witnesses, as they will be critical in proving your case in court.
- Filing for Divorce: If your husband is unwilling to accept or support you, and the situation worsens, you may consider filing for divorce under the Family Courts Ordinance. As for his refusal to support the marriage, this can be part of the case for divorce, along with the issue of dowry.