The Scottish Government is being urged to extend the definition of domestic abuse to include that 'perpetuated by in-laws'. 

The call came from AMINA The Muslim Women’s Resource Centre (MWRC) who recently launched a report, entitled 'Sabr, Silence and Struggles: Extended Family Abuse in Muslim and BME Communities in Scotland.'  

Mariam Ahmed, the organisation’s CEO, believes extended family abuse is 'commonly overlooked', compared to forced marriage and honour-based violence which are 'better understood.' 

In the report’s foreword she writes: “Extended family abuse can be prevalent among women from South Asian cultures, and it is often perpetrated by other women including the victim/survivors mother-in-law and sister-in-law for example. 

"However, it’s crucial to recognise that this abuse is deeply rooted in patriarchal structures, aiming to exert control over every aspect of a women’s life.” 

She added: “The prevailing understanding of domestic abuse through European lens does not adequately address the unique challenges faced by women living in the margins.   

“Many organisations dedicated to addressing violence against women aren’t equipped to inquire about or assist women dealing with the control and abuse perpetrated by multiple individuals who are connected to their intimate partner. 

“The definition of domestic abuse in Scotland should recognise that abuse from extended family members can be a continuation of the domestic abuse originating from a women’s current or former partner.” 

A total of 93 Muslim and BME women participated with 13 interviews conducted, 21 responses to surveys and 59 workshop attendees. 

During the workshops participants were given activities designed to encourage discussion. In one session izzat (honour) and sharam (shame) were highlighted.  According to research such 'cultural concepts' have been 'known to subjugate women into submission'.  Also, there was consensus that those women who emigrate for marriage face 'additional barriers'. 

Some attendees believed that the notion of sabr [patience] was used to keep women in “difficult situations”, whilst others attached the idea of “daughter-law-duties” to 'cultural patterns and intergenerational trauma' as their mother-in-law’s would have been 'subjected to similar treatment.' 

When asked what tactics are used to keep daughters-in-law under control, the replies ranged from ‘sleeping in the same room as the married couple’ and ‘withholding passport’ to ‘controlling and monitoring friendships’ to ‘creating specific rule for her in the house’. 

Findings from interviews revealed that many women identified their sister-in-law’s as being either the “main perpetrator or complicit” in their ill treatment.  Respondents also stated 'spousal complicity' with husbands overlooking their parents’ abuse.

One participant said: “My mother-in-law would force my husband to show me that he was a man, and tell him to keep a woman under control.” 

 The study also found “as anticipated, forcible domestic servitude was a very common experience amongst our interviewees.”  One respondent said: “The first thing my mother-in-law said to me after marriage was that I must take kitchen responsibilities, every day, all day.” Another said: “I was childcare for my sister-in-law. She had a job. I wasn’t allowed”.  

Feedback in relation to controlling behaviours included the mother-in-law finding and then removing contraceptive pills and pressuring her daughter-in-law to have children “straight away”.   

Those women who did contact the police were told “often very abruptly, that their in-laws interference and abusive behaviour would not be considered.”  One participant said: “An officer took my statement and said ‘We’re only focusing on the abuse from your husband. The stuff with your in-laws is just muddy water’”. 

Another said: “I called 101 to report an incident and was told ‘If you’re reporting domestic abuse, what’s your in-laws got to do with it?’” 

Spirituality and faith also played a factor with some families using “incorrect interpretations of religious texts” to justify their actions.  However, for many women impacted the idea of “divine justice” was comforting and often used a coping mechanism against their abusers. 

The report was launched during The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in collaboration with Glasgow Women’s Library.  

AMINA MWRC Helpline can be contacted on 0808 801 0301.