Case Studies

We present a series of case studies based on the experiences of women who have contacted the MWNUK Helpline. These case studies offer real-life scenarios and highlight practical solutions to the complex issues faced by women, men and couples.

The names and scenarios have been altered to respect anonymity of individuals.

Civil and Religious Divorce

Keywords – extended family domestic abuse, divorce

Ayesha had only been married for a few months, with both a nikah and a civil marriage, when the relationship broke down. This was mainly due to abuse she suffered from her mother-in-law.

Ayesha’s husband failed to protect her or address the abuse. He did not make any effort to find alternative accommodation. Ayesha returned to her parents’ home for respite. While there, she received a written Talaq from her husband and so began her ‘iddah period.

As it had been less than a year since their civil marriage, Ayesha was not immediately able to apply for a civil divorce. In the UK, a civil marriage can only be annulled in the first year under certain conditions that render the marriage void or voidable. Since Ayesha’s circumstances did not meet those criteria, she had to wait until one year had passed before she could apply for a divorce. This can be done online.

As her husband had issued the Talaq, Ayesha was religiously divorced three months later, while having to wait longer for the civil divorce.