Question

Read the case study, then answer the questions that follow.

Case study (questions 5-9)

Susannah’s husband Andrew has found out that Joe has been offering lifts to Susannah and the children. He has made a formal complaint to Joe’s supervisor, Betsy. He has threatened to stop his wife and children attending the centre if Joe continues to work with Susannah and has requested a female worker to support his family.  

Susannah has requested a female support worker, saying she would feel more comfortable and says her husband will allow her to continue attending the centre if she has a female support worker.

Jenny is appointed as Susannah’s support worker. Susannah asks for some information about Domestic Family Violence (DFV) services in the local area. She has also asked if she can come to Jenny’s house if she feels unsafe in her own home at any time. Jenny has explained that she cannot offer Susannah accommodation in her house, but she can refer her to a women’s refuge service if Susannah needs this. Jenny feels very strongly about DFV issues and when she was younger she was in a violent relationship herself.

9. What rights does Susannah have in this situation? Identify at least three rights that Susannah has in your answer. (Approx. 15 words that you can present in a bullet point list if you wish).

Answer 1

Susannah has the right to avail a women's refuge, if she feels unsafe with the husband. A women's refuge is a women's shelter for battered women. Such a place is set up generally by government bodies to provide temporary protection and support to women attempting to escape domestic violence. Susannah has the right to inform the police about the domestic violence. She can file an FIR (First Information Report) against her husband. This will be a legal action against her husband that will prohibit him from committing further domestic violence against Susannah. She can even file a divorce against her husband. Divorce will legally separate Susannah from her husband. So, Susannah's husband will not have any legal right over her as a husband. This will release Susannah from her responsibilities as a wife. She will no longer be legally obligated to serve her husband in any way that he may desire.