Husband Beat Her in Front of Children. She Had No Financial & Emotional Support. We Help Her a Way Out.
What Was the Case
A 33-year-old married homemaker woman from Gurugram, with two children, and no financial or emotional support from her husband or his family. The husband had been physically abusing her for years. It started with slapping, then progressed to punching, kicking, and once burning her hand with a hot iron. He had complete financial control over the household. She was not allowed to spend money without his permission— not even on basic necessities for the children..
He also regularly insulted her in front of his family, calling her "useless" and "worthless."
The final incident happened when the husband hit her with a belt in front of both children because dinner was served 15 minutes late. The older child (7 years old) tried to stop his father and was pushed aside. She called her neighbour, who took photos of her injuries and convinced her to seek legal help.
She came to us with nothing except the photos and her children. She was scared, had no money for legal fees, and was terrified that her husband would take the children away from her.
What Made This Case Difficult
- She had no independent income — she couldn’t afford a lawyer
- Her parents were in a different city with limited financial resources
- She was afraid that if she filed a case, the husband would take the children
- She had no property in her name and nowhere to live
- The husband had influential contacts and a good public reputation — nobody would believe her
- Years of emotional abuse had left her with very low self-confidence
How SPJ Advocates Handled It
Day 1 — Immediate Safety
- Took her case on a pro bono basis (no fees)
- Filed an emergency petition under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 before the Magistrate Court, Gurugram
- We applied for Protection Order stopping the husband to contacting her.
- Applied residence Order allowing her to continue living in the matrimonial home.
- Applied for Interim Maintenance for herself and both children.
- And applied Custody of both children
Day 3 — Protection Order Granted
- The Magistrate reviewed the injury photographs and the neighbour’s witness statement
- An ex-parte Protection Order was granted immediately — the husband was prohibited from entering the home, contacting her, or going near the children’s school
- Interim maintenance of ₹35,000 per month was ordered until the final hearing
- Police was directed to visit the home and ensure compliance
Week 1–2 — Building the Complete Case
- Filed a detailed domestic violence complaint supported by: injury photographs (with timestamps), the neighbour’s written statement.
- We submitted medical records from a clinic she had visited after a previous beating (which she had hidden at the time).
- Submitted 7-year-old child’s statement (recorded by the court-appointed counsellor)
- Filed a criminal complaint under Section 498A (cruelty) and Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the IPC
Month 1–4 — Court Proceedings
- We presented 4 years of medical records showing repeated injuries — bruises, fractures, burns — each treated at different clinics with vague explanations ("fell down," "kitchen accident")
- The pattern of injuries was unmistakably consistent with physical abuse, not accidents
- The neighbour testified in court about the belt incident and the children’s terrified reactions
- The court-appointed counsellor submitted a report confirming that both children showed signs of trauma from witnessing domestic violence
The Result
The court granted a final Protection Order and Residence Order in our client’s favour. She was allowed to continue living in the matrimonial home with both children. The husband was ordered to pay ₹45,000 per month as maintenance for the wife and children. Custody of both children was granted to the mother with supervised visitation for the father. The criminal case under 498A and 323 IPC is ongoing.
Today, our client has started a small tailoring business from home, earning ₹12,000–15,000 per month. She is rebuilding her life. Her children are in school and receiving counselling. She is safe.
She told us: "I had nothing. No money, no family support, no hope. SPJ Advocates didn’t charge me a single rupee and still fought for me like I was their most important client. They didn’t just give me a court order — they gave me my life back."
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence — you are not alone, there is legal protection available. Call SPJ Advocates for confidential, compassionate legal help. Call SPJ Advocates at +91-8920245815 | Women’s Helpline: 181 and 1091
