A dowry can include gifts such as money, goods, land or property that a bride or groom’s family gives to the family of the other when they marry.
Dowry abuse or violence refers to any act of coercion, violence or harassment associated with the giving or receiving of a dowry at any time before, during or after marriage. This is an ancient custom that is unfortunately still practised in some families and communities.
While dowry abuse/violence can affect all genders, the practice arises more commonly regarding those from the bride’s family to the groom’s. The receiving or giving of a dowry is not, in itself, an act of abuse. The abuse comes when there is violence, coercion, harassment or exploitation of any kind involved.
Click the link or image below to download our factsheet to learn key facts, the law, and how to respond to cases, suspected cases and disclosures of Dowry Abuse or Violence.
