The article details the experiences of "abandoned brides," a phenomenon where Indian women married to men living abroad face desertion, abuse, and exploitation. These women are often promised migration overseas but frequently encounter difficult situations, including being left in India to care for in-laws or facing complex visa issues when they attempt to migrate.
Case Study: Kiran's Experience
Kiran (name changed for anonymity) married a man with Australian permanent residency in 2015. Her husband returned to Australia a month after their wedding, visiting India only four times over eight years. During these visits, arguments reportedly escalated to violence. Cameras were installed in Kiran's home in India, allowing her husband to monitor her remotely from Brisbane. He allegedly used this surveillance and long-distance calls to control her domestic duties, including instructing her on cooking for his parents.
Kiran's husband had promised they would settle in Australia. However, when she became pregnant, he reportedly stated he would never allow her to join him. After her mental health declined, and community elders intervened, her husband brought her and their children to Australia in 2023. Upon arrival, Kiran discovered she had been brought on a tourist visa, not a partner visa, which meant she had no legal right to stay indefinitely, despite her children being Australian citizens. Her husband subsequently initiated divorce proceedings.
The Phenomenon and Contributing Factors
Yasmin Khan, head of the Queensland-based Bangle Foundation, an organization supporting South Asian women facing domestic abuse, states that thousands of Indian women are affected by this issue. She notes that the dream of migrating overseas after marriage often turns into a difficult reality.
Contributing factors and reasons for abandonment or abuse include:
- Financial Gain: Husbands absconding with a dowry, which is illegal in India but remains widespread.
- Domestic Labor: Wives being used to provide domestic help for their in-laws in India, a situation some advocates describe as modern slavery.
- Visa Issues: Unforeseen visa problems preventing women from joining their husbands abroad.
Support and Challenges
Human rights campaigners have documented cases of abandoned brides, noting the legal complexities involved, especially for those on temporary visas. The Bangle Foundation assists approximately 1,000 women annually with issues related to domestic abuse, visa abuse, and trafficking. Khan highlights that cultural norms, such as arranged marriages, and feelings of shame, honor, and embarrassment can deter migrant women from seeking help from mainstream services. Kiran is currently engaged in efforts to secure her right to remain in Australia with her two children.