Kaushaliya Mussalpriya, Kishanghar, Ajmer, says, “I was married at the age of 13. My in-laws wanted to keep me to themselves and wouldn’t let me meet any of my family or friends. My husband used to get drunk and beat me regularly. The next morning, however, he would beg for my forgiveness. This became a regular pattern. I could take no more so I left and stayed at my parents’ home for three years.

Then one day the jati panchayat ordered that I should go back … but even though my husband signed contracts saying he wouldn’t hit me, the beatings continued. I suffered at his hands for a few months and again then ran away home. Once again, the jati panchayat ordered me back and the abuse carried on.

This happened many times until eight years ago, in desperation, I asked Geeta to help me. I was in such a state; I couldn’t even talk about it. After many years, with the support of Gita, I approached the family court and asked for a divorce … I didn’t ask for anything, just my freedom … and a year ago I got it!

I’m now used to being independent and living my own life. It has given me the strength to decide to help others like me. My life has changed so much… and now I can help change the lives of others who are suffering by taking on cases and raising awareness. At first, my family disapproved … they wouldn’t let me attend meetings because they feared that our family honour would be damaged. But I didn’t care: reputation meant nothing to me then, and it means nothing to me now … I have my own life and my own friends who are there for me, the same way I’m there for them.”