Summary
Shruthi was the youngest in her family, born after a long gap of 16 years following her sister. She grew up as the cherished "baby of the house," shielded and doted upon by her family. With a strong intuition and a thriving career, Shruthi seemed to have everything going for her. However, her sheltered upbringing—attending an all-girls school and college—left her with little exposure to the opposite sex.
At 28, while excelling in her job, Shruthi encountered a colleague who appeared charming but exhibited troubling behavior. Despite her initial wariness, a series of tragic events, including the loss of her sister and father, left her vulnerable. In her grief-stricken state, she married him, a decision that would lead to years of hardship.
Challenges
- Abuse and Vulnerability: Shortly after marriage, Shruthi faced emotional and physical abuse from her husband, an alcoholic with a volatile temper.
- Lack of Support from In-Laws: Shruthi stayed with her in-laws during her pregnancy, and after the birth of her child, she moved back in with her mother at the suggestion of her in-laws. Although her in-laws were sympathetic to her pain, they could provide no support to her.
- Motherhood Amid Struggle: Her baby was born underweight, adding to her stress. The abuse continued even after her husband moved in with her and her mother.
- Legal Setbacks: Shruthi approached two different lawyers in her quest for divorce. The approach taken by both lawyers was not effective and did not help Shruthi in her fight. These setbacks further disheartened her and eroded her trust in legal recourse.
How Shakti Public Charitable Trust Helped
- Emotional Support and Counseling: When Shruthi approached Shakti Public Charitable Trust, she narrated her story and broke down for the first time in four years. The counseling sessions offered her a safe space to express her pain and process her emotions.
- Legal Guidance: Shakti Public Charitable Trust's team gave Shruthi realistic advice on her legal options. While eager for an immediate divorce, Shakti emphasized the importance of following due legal processes, explaining that quick resolutions are rarely possible under the law. While we empathized with Shruthi’s request, Shakti Public Charitable Trust remains committed to operating within the framework of the law. We ensure that clients understand that an immediate divorce is not a legal possibility. Our lawyers provide clear guidance, outlining realistic timelines and associated costs, and keeping clients fully informed and prepared as they navigate the legal process.
- Empowerment and Advocacy: Shakti Public Charitable Trust empowered Shruthi to make informed decisions while offering continued emotional and practical support during this challenging time.
Results
- For Shruthi: She eventually chose to leave Shakti Public Charitable Trust in favor of pursuing a quicker divorce elsewhere. While we regret that she felt the need to seek alternative options, we respect her choice and continue to wish her the very best in her journey.
Conclusion
Shruthi’s story highlights the emotional and legal complexities faced by survivors of domestic abuse. At Shakti Public Charitable Trust, we remain committed to providing a compassionate ear, realistic legal guidance, and unwavering support to all who seek our help. No matter how challenging the circumstances, we stand ready to assist when survivors like Shruthi reach out for help.
Names and personal details have been changed to protect the identities involved.