ACHRH is campaigning against dowry related abuse in Australia

What is dowry?

Dowry is an ancient practice defined as giving of oversized gifts in the context of marriage.
It was conceived as ante-mortem or live inheritance for the bride in lieu of family inheritance meant for the sons only.

Over time the practice has become onerous and toxic for the bride and her parents.
Dowry now is not just given to the bride, there is expectation and a sense of entitlement by the groom and his family that they will receive for example large amount of gold, household furniture, cars, cash etc.

What is the issue?

Dowry is no longer spontaneous gift giving by family.
There are demands and even extortion by the groom and his family.
These demands are a significant contributor to family and domestic violence.

The pattern observed in Australia and many other countries globally is similar to the one reported in India, with documented extensive evidence of serious domestic violence in the context of “insufficient” dowry and gifts by the groom and his family.

Example of a letter from a victim in Australia 2014:

“I am 31 year-old modern girl raised and educated in India…I dated a guy online who lived in Australia”

“The matter of dowry was not discussed”

“(After marriage) whenever I used to ask him for money… he would taunt me, ask your father, did he give you money”

“Even when I started working, I was not allowed to buy things”

The mentality of these guys has not changed at all, even if they have become citizens of Australia. They think women should bring dowry to compensate them for taking on the burden of marrying a woman. Once married the woman is to be just confined to household chores and should not utter a word. Whether she is educated, working, earning income is immaterial.

Why this needs to be illegal

In Indian law, two kinds of remedies are provided to the victims:

  1. All dowry assets are retracted or retrieved from the groom/boy and his parents
  2. Criminal cases is registered against the whole family including the parents of dowry seekers and prosecuted.

Due to the non-existence of such a law, these two kinds of problems prevail consistently in Australia. Permanent residents or families that some live in India and some in Australia, hide behind the absence of laws and demand dowries where for the same actions would be prosecuted in India.

http://achrh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/GODARA-LETTER-2-SUPPORT-FOR-ANTI-DOWRY-LAWS-2015.pdf

Anti-dowry Petition

http://achrh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/PETITION-FOR-LEGISLATIVE-ASSEMBLY-final.pdf

Submission to Royal Commission

“Refusal to Comply With Demands for Dowry Contributes to Family Violence and Death in Victoria” 

http://achrh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ACHRH-SUBMISSION-TO-ROYAL-COMMSSION-ON-DOWRY-RELATED-FAMILY-VIOLENCE-AND-DEATH-11-May-2015.pdf)

Royal Commission has recommended that The Victorian Government amend section 6 of the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic) to expand the statutory examples of family violence to include forced marriage and dowry-related abuse [within 12 months].

http://achrh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ROYAL-COMISSSION-RECOMMENDS-LAWS-AGAINST-DOWRY-Manjula-10416.pdf

Dowry abuse in the Media

  1. Summit at UNSW calls for recognition of dowry abuse in federal. 22February 2019. UNSW Newsroom.
    https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/business-law/summit-unsw-calls-recognition-dowry-abuse-federal-law

  2. https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/worldtoday/national-summit-shines-light-on-dowry-abuse/10837914

  3. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/dowry-abuse-survivors-call-for-action-as-labor-pledges-to-change-the-law

  4. https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/punjabi/en/audiotrack/senate-enquiry-report-important-step-tackle-dowry-abuse-australia

  5. The Drum Thursday February 14. The panel discusses the government withdrawing its “big stick” legislation, the final report of the Senate inquiry into dowry abuse and NRL culture.
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-14/the-drum-thursday-february-14/10813846

  6. The Drum Thursday February 14. The panel discusses the government withdrawing its “big stick” legislation, the final report of the Senate inquiry into dowry abuse and NRL culture. 
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-14/the-drum-thursday-february-14/10813846

  7.  He would beat me’: Dowry abuse victims urged to share stories.
    SBS News. 21 July 2018.

  8.  Psychiatrists not recognising domestic violence cases study finds.
    AM Radio. ABC. Sat 12 May 2018, 8:20am.

  9.  Weddings, Dollars and Dowries: What price for a marriage? Insight (SBS TELEVISION);
    Time: 20:30; Broadcast Date: Tuesday, 17 April 2018.

  10.  New laws to target dowry abuse as extent of abuse revealed.
    SBS News. Broadcast Date 13 October 2017.

  11.  I couldn’t find any hope’: Migrant reveals battle with depression as experts call for more mental health support.
    SBS News. Broadcast Date 11 October 2017

  12.  Once a girl is married, there is no going back’.
    ABC News. Broadcast Date 30 July 2017

  13. Australia’s Dowry Deaths. Al Jezeera 101 East.
    Broadcast Date June 30, 2017

  14. Anti-dowry summit sparks call for Australian law against ancient tradition.
    ABC News. Broadcast Date 19 December 2016

  15. A Federal Parliamentary Committee is examining dowries and bride prices, as part of an inquiry into family law reforms.
    World News Australia (SBS TELEVISION);
    Time: 18:30; Broadcast Date: Tuesday, 2nd May 2017.

  16. Domestic violence campaigners are calling for federal legislation to ban dowry demands.
    ABC News Victoria (ABC1 Melbourne);
    Time: 19:00; Broadcast Date: Wednesday, 14th December 2016.

  17. Former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu is leading a national push for a ban on brides being forced to bestow valuable family dowries on their husbands.
    World News Australia (SBS TELEVISION);
    Time: 18:30; Broadcast Date: Friday, 23rd May 2014.

  18. Campaigners are calling for excessive dowry demand to be declared illegal.
    World News Australia (SBS TELEVISION);
    Time: 18:30; Broadcast Date: Wednesday, 14th December 2016.

  19. An apparent murder-suicide has increased concern over domestic violence in Australia’s Indian community.
    World News Australia (SBS TELEVISION);
    Time: 18:30; Broadcast Date: Monday, 15th December 2014.

  20. Fight back: The have been some appalling cases of violence against women in India recently that have drawn international condemnation.
    7.30 (ABC1); Time: 19:30; Broadcast Date: Friday, 15th May 2015.

  21. Forced Marriages in Australia: Four Corners investigates what happens when young, educated, Australian-born girls are forced into unwanted marriages, sometimes with overseas relatives

  22. Four Corners
    (ABC1 Melbourne);
    Time: 20:33; Broadcast Date: Monday, 2nd April 2012.

  23. Weddings, Dollars and Dowries: What price for a marriage? Insight
    (SBS TELEVISION);
    Time: 20:30; Broadcast Date: Tuesday, 2nd May 2017.

  24. Once a girl is married, there is no going back’.
    ABC News. Broadcast Date 30 July 2017

  25. Australia’s Dowry Deaths.
    Al Jezeera 101 East. Broadcast Date June 30, 2017

  26. Anti-dowry summit sparks call for Australian law against ancient tradition.
    ABC News.
    Broadcast Date 19 December 2016

  27. A Federal Parliamentary Committee is examining dowries and bride prices, as part of an inquiry into family law reforms.
    World News Australia (SBS TELEVISION);
    Time: 18:30; Broadcast Date: Tuesday, 2nd May 2017.

  28. Domestic violence campaigners are calling for federal legislation to ban dowry demands.
    ABC News Victoria (ABC1 Melbourne);
    Time: 19:00; Broadcast Date: Wednesday, 14th December 2016.

  29. Former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu is leading a national push for a ban on brides being forced to bestow valuable family dowries on their husbands.
    World News Australia (SBS TELEVISION);
    Time: 18:30; Broadcast Date: Friday, 23rd May 2014.

  30. Campaigners are calling for excessive dowry demand to be declared illegal.
    World News Australia (SBS TELEVISION);
    Time: 18:30; Broadcast Date: Wednesday, 14th December 2016

  31. Four Corners: Without Consent. O’Brien, Kerry (Host) ; Ferguson, Sarah (Reporter) ; Ahmed, Shabbir (Contributor) ; Ali, Afoz (Contributor) ; Bryce, Quentin (Contributor) ; Bumanglag, Kathlene (Contributor) ; Khan, Samia (Contributor) ; O’Connor, Manjula (Contributor) ; Olsen, Sue (Contributor) ; Roxon, Nicola (Contributor) ; Sultana, Farida (Contributor) ; Wazfadost, Najeeba (Contributor). Broadcast Date: 02 Apr 2012.

  32. Fears that dowry-related violence in Australia’s Indian community is on the rise have prompted calls to change laws to protect women.
    SBS News. 5 August 2013. By Luke Water
    http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/08/05/dowry-related-violence-sparks-calls-law-reform

  33. Former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu is leading a push for a ban on brides being forced to bestow valuable dowries on their husbands.
    SBS News . 23 May 2014 By GARETH BOREHAM
    http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/05/23/renewed-call-ban-dowries-australias-indian-communities

ACHRH Dowry Campaign in Print

  1. Summit at UNSW calls for recognition of dowry abuse in federal. 22February 2019. UNSW Newsroom. law
    https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/business-law/summit-unsw-calls-recognition-dowry-abuse-federal-law
  1. https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/worldtoday/national-summit-shines-light-on-dowry-abuse/10837914
  1. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/dowry-abuse-survivors-call-for-action-as-labor-pledges-to-change-the-law
  1. https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/punjabi/en/audiotrack/senate-enquiry-report-important-step-tackle-dowry-abuse-australia
  1.  Dowry wives falling victim to abuse.
    The Weekend Australian. 21 September 2018.
    https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/some-arrangedmarriage-wives-abused/news-story/cb31bd41a1d596cd8ca3b260d3c606ed     

  2. Dowry abuse should be recognised as domestic violence under Australian law, advocates say. ABC Digital News  . 21 September 2018 . http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-21/dowry-abuse-in-australia-senate-inquiry-begins/10292714
  1. Probe into dowry abuse in Australia. Sydney Morning Herald. 19 September 2018.  https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/probe-into-dowry-abuse-in-australia-20180919-p504m7.html
  1. Victorian parliament passes legislation banning dowry abuse . 9 August 2018 . SBS News https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/hindi/en/article/2018/08/09/victorian-parliament-passes-legislation-banning-dowry-abuse
  1. Senate inquiry into dowry abuse in Australia to probe ‘devastating’ impacts on women.
    ABC News. Updated 27 Jun 2018, 3:25pm.
  1. Family violence among patients from multicultural backgrounds: How GPs can help.  04/06/2018
    https://www.racgp.org.au/newsGP/Clinical/Family-violence-in-multicultural-populations-How
  1. GPs can be key in helping multicultural women who are experiencing family violence.  31/05/2018.
    https://www.racgp.org.au/newsGP/Clinical/GPs-key-to-helping-multicultural-women-escape-fami
  1. Fears family violence is going undetected by psychiatrists. The Guardian.     10 May 2018
  1. Study shows psychiatrists may be missing training to help people facing family violence Neelima Choahan  16/05/2018.
    https://www.racgp.org.au/newsGP/Professional/Study-shows-psychiatrists-missing-vital-training-t
  1. Victorian MPs call for outlawing of dowry abuse in Australia. By Debra Jopson. ABC news . Posted 30 May 2018.
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-30/dowry-abuse-australia-call-for-senate-inquiry/9814852
  1. The secret scourge of family violence and murder in Australian Hindu and Sikh communities. Debra Jopson, Illustrations by Rocco Fazzari .
    18 Dec 2017, 3:58pm.
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-18/scourge-family-violence-in-hindu-and-sikh-communities/9257724
  1. Crackdown on bride dowries to protect women from violence.
    The Herald Sun.
    April 16, 2017 12:00am. By Annika Smethurst.     

  2. Labor MP calls for dowry crackdown.
    Herald Sun, Melbourne.
    17 Feb 2017. Author: Annika Smethurst
  1. Domestic violence: Dentists play vital ‘first responder’ role for victims.  
    Nov 29, 2015.
    The Age. By Jill Stark.     

  2. Ted Baillieu, former Victorian premier, calls for ban on marriage dowries.
    Updated 23 May 2014, 1:36pm.
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-23/ted-baillieu-calls-for-dowry-ban/5472710
  1. Australians falling victim to dowry abuse. Dowry extortion is a long standing problem in India and Pakistan, but now it appears to be on the rise in Australia.
    Updated 5 July 2014, 21:25 AEST.
    Australia Network News.     

  2. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2014-07-05/australians-falling-victim-to-dowry-abuse/1338
  1. Australia | For Love Or Money. Caravan (Indian Magazine).
    A Proposed Anti-Dowry Law Sparks Debate In A Multi-Cultural Society.    
    By     ALANA ROSENBAUM | October 1, 2014  http://www.caravanmagazine.in/print/4763#sthash.DC504U0L.dpuf
  1. Shocking domestic violence statistics revealed
    The Indian Link.  
    January 31, 2014
  1. Migrants ‘Should Sign Anti-Dowry Affidavit’.
    Sydney Morning Herald.
    9 December 2014. RACHEL KLEINMAN.
  1. INDIAN COMMUNITY PROTEST AGAINST DOWRIES.
    December 14, 2014. The Age.
    http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/indian-community-protest-against-dowries-20141214-126za2.html
  1. Advocate documents family violence deaths in Victoria’s Indian community.
    MARCH 6 2015.
    Sydney Morning Herald by  Rachel Kleinman
  1.  Royal Commission into Family Violence: A survivor’s plea for end to dowry abuse.
    JULY 16  2015.
    The Age. Bianca Hall.
  1. DOWRY LINK TO MURDERS AND FAMILY VIOLENCE IN VICTORIA.
    April 23, 2015 8:30pm
    Herald Sun  by Ashley Argoon.
    http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/dowry-link-to-murders-and-family-violence-in-victoria/news-story/65da7055d98a3eece3435076fbacff70
  1. Marrying for the money: The dark side of India’s dowry culture.
    SBS News  Sushi Das.
    22 March 2017.  http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/life/culture/article/2017/03/22/marrying-money-dark-sideindias-dowry-culture
  1. The growing problem of family violence in Victoria.
    The Age
    Thursday Mar 27, 2014  by Rachel Klienman.
  1. Tragedies confound Indian community .
    The Age.
    June 13, 2012. By Nino Bucci.
  1. ‘Once a girl is married, there is no going back’.  
    ABC News  
    29 July 2017 . Ruby Jones.
  1. Family violence: The passage from India can be rough for women.
    The Age.
    October 17, 2015.     Miki Perkins

  2. Advocate documents family violence deaths in Victoria’s Indian community.
    Sydney Morning Herald.
    MARCH 6 2015. By Rachel Kleinman.
  1. Magistrates fear for Indian women withdrawing intervention orders.
    10 July 2015.  
    The Age. By Bianca Hall and Timna Jacks
  1. Culture Test A Winner.
    The Herald Sun.
    December 9, 2015. By Rita Panahi
  1. Cultural awareness training for new migrants.
    December 4, 2015 – 6:00PM .
    The Age. By Rachel Kleinman
  1. Getting the hang of slang and other Australian traits.
    October 7, 2010.
    The Age. By Farah Faroque

14/12/2014-Community Protest street march led by ACHRH culminating at the steps of Victorian Parliament 

 
06/08/2018 – The Anti-Dowry abuse Bill passes the both houses of Parliament of Victoria unanimously as part of the Justice Legislation Amendment Bill. 7 MP s from all sides of the Parliament spoke in favour of the Amendment. The Hon Gabrielle Williams, Ms Danielle Green MP, Ms Heidi Victoria MP, Sen Georgie Crozier, Sen Inga Peulich and Greens leader Samantha Rtanam, Each MP cited the ACHRH Executive Director Dr Manjula O’Connor’s exemplary research, advocacy and leadership in bringing this complex issue to light and saving lives.   
 
On 29 March 2019 ACHRH Petition becomes law within the Act of Family Violence Protection of Victoria. Demands for dowry, gifts, cash will be deemed as an act of Family Violence.