In-Law Abuse (Susral Violence) in Pakistan — You Have Rights

Abuse by in-laws (susral) including physical violence, emotional torture, dowry demands, and harassment is a criminal offence in Pakistan. Know your rights and how to get help.

🚨 If You Are In Danger Right Now

Call Police Emergency immediately:

15 (Police) | 1099 (Rescue)

Edhi Foundation shelter (free, 24/7): 115 · Umang helpline: 0311-7786264

In-Law Abuse Is Domestic Violence Under Pakistani Law

Violence, harassment, or cruelty by in-laws (susral) — mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law — is covered under domestic violence laws. It is a criminal offence.

What Counts as In-Law Abuse

Physical violence by any member of the husband's household
Constant humiliation, insults, or degradation
Demands for more dowry (jahez) after marriage
Threatening or actual destruction of your personal property
Preventing you from seeing your own family (maika)
Forcing you to work as domestic servant without your consent
Conspiring with the husband to abuse, control, or remove you from the home

Dowry Harassment — Especially Serious

Demanding or pressuring for additional dowry after marriage is a criminal offence
Dowry-related violence is one of the most prosecuted forms of domestic violence in Pakistan
Your dowry items belong to YOU — your in-laws cannot claim or keep them
If dowry items were taken, you can file a civil suit for their return

What You Can Do

File an FIR naming the specific individuals responsible
Apply for a Protection Order from Family Court covering all household members
Contact HRCP or LHRLA for immediate free legal advice
Request mediation through Aurat Foundation — sometimes family intervention resolves without court
If unsafe at home: go to Dar-ul-Aman or call Edhi 115 immediately

Free Help — Call Now

Edhi Foundation: 115
Umang helpline: 0311-7786264
LHRLA (Lahore): 042-35761999
WAR Karachi: 021-35362834

Police Emergency

1099

Rescue Emergency

115

Edhi Foundation (shelter)

0311-7786264

Umang Helpline

0800-39393

Digital Rights Foundation

051-2890505

Rozan Counselling