A fascinating case reported today in which a young Sikh woman whose life was made an absolute misery by her mother-in-law used legislation originally designed for stalkers to win £35,000 compensation.

“A devout Sikh who entered into the marriage willingly, Ms Singh said she had accepted she would live with her husband’s family – but her mother-in-law’s campaign of torment led to serious health problems and the breakdown of the marriage in March 2003.
She was forced to do menial housework for hours and was kept a virtual prisoner in the house, beginning her domestic duties at 6.30am. Ms Singh told the court her mother-in-law called her a “poodle” and contrived a work routine – including cleaning toilets without a brush – designed to “exhaust and humiliate” her.
Ms Singh claimed that she was not allowed to visit the local Sikh temple, and was allowed only four short visits home to her parents in the weeks after her wedding. She said her telephone use was limited and her calls monitored.
The court also heard that Mrs Bhakar forced her daughter-in-law to have her hair cut to shoulder length, despite knowing her religious beliefs forbade it.”

The mother-in-law in the case had lived in Britain for decades, so while there is undoubtedly a clash of cultures here, as an abuser she can have had no excuse of lack of knowledge of British laws and norms.