Breaking the shackles of domestic violence

Breaking the shackles of domestic violence

It takes courage to say no and after years of suffering at the hands of her husband, Gudia finally found her courage. 

Gudia comes from a very poor family from a small village in Azamgarh district, Uttar Pradesh. She was married after she finished her 12th class. For two years, Gudia was tortured by her in-laws and husband for dowry every day. She was not given enough food and was consistently forced to ask money and other expensive items from her parents. Whenever she retaliated, her husband would beat her mercilessly. 

After suffering violence for years, Gudia finally decided to leave her husband and returned to her parents. She came empty handed as all her jewellery and belongings were snatched away by her in-laws. 

She came across Sunanina, a domestic violence survivor who advised her to seek help from Oxfam India and its partner organization Sri Ramanand Saraswati Pustakalaya (SRSP). Gudia joined their Women Support Centre and was provided with medical and legal aid along with shelter. With the support of counselors and advocates from Oxfam India and its partner, Gudia was able to file for divorce and an FIR . Despite threats from her husband, she did not relent and also received support from her parents. 

Today, Gudia lives a happy life and has started to learn computer at the support centre. “This is a new beginning and I’m thankful to the organization for supporting me at the hour of need and gave me the courage to say no. Now, I can become an independent woman and fulfil my dreams,” says Guida.

Every third women, since the age of 15, has faced domestic violence in India (NHFS-4). When kind-individuals like you support Oxfam India’s work, women are given the opportunity to live a violence-free and dignified life. Your support enables our work and makes a huge difference in someone in need’s life.

If you wish to make a monthly contribution to help women like Gudia to live a violence-free life, please click here, https://www.oxfamindia.org/womenrightstele

Gender Justice

We campaign to change patriarchal mindsets that influence violence against women  

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