Meera, a young woman married for seven years, was struggling in her marriage. Her husband, Raghu, an Ola driver, was battling alcohol addiction, which deeply affected their relationship. The couple had been trying for a child, but due to Raghu’s negligence in completing the prescribed IVF treatment, their hopes remained unfulfilled. Instead of support, Meera faced taunts and emotional abuse from her in-laws, who blamed her for infertility. Over time, the situation escalated, and she became a victim of domestic violence and dowry harassment. Fearing for her safety, she left her marital home and moved in with her parents.
Seeking justice and emotional relief, Meera approached the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) for help. She was already pursuing a case in CAW WOMEN CELL but her husband was avoiding hearings. The DLSA team immediately took action by referring her for counseling and legal intervention.

The Counseling Process

Understanding the complexity of the case, the counselor first listened to Meera’s experiences with compassion and patience. Using paraphrasing and summarization techniques, the key issues were identified:
• Alcohol addiction and its impact on marital life

• Medical treatment for infertility and the importance of completing it

• Domestic violence and dowry harassment

• Emotional detachment and communication gaps

A legal notice was sent to Raghu, compelling him to attend couple counseling sessions. Initially, he avoided participation, but after outreach through phone call from the counselor, he agreed to attend.

Breakthrough in Counseling

• During the counseling sessions, both parties were encouraged to openly discuss their issues. The sessions covered:
• Alcoholism—its effects, withdrawal symptoms, and de-addiction methods
• Family planning—understanding IVF treatment and mutual responsibility
• Marriage roles and responsibilities—how each partner contributes to a healthy relationship
• Conflict resolution techniques—building trust and effective communication
At first, Meera remained hesitant about reconciliation, expressing deep distrust towards Raghu. However, Raghu showed willingness to change. With support from the counselor and their families, he committed to:
• Reducing alcohol consumption

• Prioritizing medical treatment

• Improving communication and emotional support

• A New Beginning

As the counseling progressed, Meera saw positive changes in Raghu. He made an effort to stay sober, and they restarted healthy communication over the phone. Eventually, Meera agreed to visit her in-laws and assess the situation.
In a follow-up session, she reported that she had moved back with her husband and was no longer facing harassment. Furthermore, her husband took a significant step forward by initiating medical treatment for both of them at AIIMS hospital, showing his commitment to their future together. She expressed happiness in her relationship and requested closure of the counseling case.

Conclusion
This case highlights the power of counseling, legal intervention, and family support in transforming a troubled marriage. Through structured dialogue and personal commitment, Meera and Raghu found a way to rebuild their relationship. Their story proves that with the right guidance and willingness to change, even the most difficult situations can lead to a fresh start and a hopeful future.