The applicant approached the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) North West, seeking assistance with a difficult matrimonial situation. Her journey revealed challenges marked by emotional and physical abuse, neglect during pregnancy, and a lack of respect from her husband and in-laws. Despite the circumstances, the applicant chose not to involve law enforcement, prioritizing family harmony over conflict.

Challenges Highlighted by the Applicant

1. Physical and Emotional Abuse: During pregnancy, the applicant faced neglect, lack of food, and physical aggression from her mother-in-law.
2. Family Conflicts: Frequent arguments, emotional detachment, and domestic violence disrupted the peace.
3. Neglect by Husband: Her husband, a garage mechanic, did not provide emotional or marital support.
4. Lack of Support System: With her parents deceased, her only support was her brother.

Initial Counseling Intervention

The counselor initiated an individual session with the applicant, focusing on empowering her to rebuild her confidence and establish boundaries. Key strategies included:
Encouraging financial independence by leveraging her skills in stitching and tailoring.
Guiding her on future planning using techniques like SWOT analysis, motivational strategies, and moral education.
Reinforcing the importance of setting boundaries and improving communication with family members.
The counselor also sent legal notices to the respondent (her husband) and the in-laws, urging them to attend counseling sessions.

Addressing Respondent Absence

The respondent initially claimed he did not receive the notice and was unavailable. Persistent follow-ups by the counselor ensured the respondent’s participation. A correct residential address was confirmed, and the respondent was informed of the importance of attending the sessions.

Joint Counseling Sessions and Mediation

When both parties appeared for counseling, they openly shared their grievances:
Applicant’s Concerns: Lack of support during pregnancy, mistreatment by in-laws, and absence of respect as a wife.
Respondent’s Perspective: The respondent admitted to a feeling of individualism, lack of collective goals (“we” feeling), and dissatisfaction with family interactions.
The applicant suggested having a separate kitchen to maintain some independence, which was accepted by the respondent.

Follow-Up and Resolution

After two months of consistent counseling and follow-up, significant improvements were observed:
The applicant moved back to her in-laws’ home and followed the counselor’s guidance.
Both parties reported better communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibilities.
The mother-in-law agreed to treat the applicant on equal footing with other family members, fostering harmony.

Outcomes and Future Planning

During the final counseling sessions, small activities were introduced to sustain positive changes, including:
Emphasizing physical, mental, and social well-being.
Creating a supportive environment that prioritized shared goals and respect.
Encouraging both husband and wife to work collaboratively on future planning and relationship growth.

Conclusion

The couple, along with the in-laws, committed to fostering a positive household environment. With the DLSA’s persistent efforts, the family transitioned from discord to a harmonious, respectful dynamic. The applicant’s resilience and willingness to adapt, combined with the counselor guidance, proved vital in this transformative journey.

This case underscores the impact of timely counseling and mediation in resolving deep-rooted family conflicts, ensuring a brighter and unified future for all parties involved.