“My daughter has two children, the older one is 3 years old, and the younger one is 4 months old. My daughter is with the younger one, and her husband works. When I come to help with the children, I often see how my son-in-law mistreats my daughter — he is rude, humiliates her, scolds her, says that she spends 'too much' money (when she is actually trying to save, and I sometimes help her out with my pension).
I tried to talk to my daughter about how such behavior should not be tolerated, but she is afraid of her husband, remains silent, and tries not to anger him unnecessarily.
I feel very sorry for my daughter. Is there anywhere to report such treatment by her husband, and can I do this since she is afraid? Reader of bb.lv”
Alevtina Grigorenko, lawyer:
– From the description of the situation, it can be concluded that the daughter’s husband (the reader’s son-in-law) possibly allows himself psychological, emotional, or other forms of influence on the mother of his children. This is unacceptable, especially since, most likely, the children, including the very young ones, are also suffering from such influence.
If the mother is in constant stress, it negatively affects the emotional background of the child and, in general, their health. In the long term, it can negatively impact the child’s development as a personality and eventually create problems for the child in their personal life. For example, if the father allows himself to raise his voice or even lay a hand on the mother, the child may grow up fully convinced that this is the norm. Children should live in a stable and calm environment, and they should develop a correct model of family where healthy relationships dominate and there is no place for abuse in any form.
The complex of issues that need to be resolved in such situations requires a proper and professional approach. In Latvia, victims of domestic violence have access to multi-level support:
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a free helpline 116006 for emergency assistance and information
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public organizations (for example, “Marta”, tel. 67 378 539 “Skalbes”, tel. 24 551 700), offering psychological, legal assistance, as well as temporary shelter
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state/municipal structures that deal with family-related issues
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law enforcement agencies (police)
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a lawyer or attorney - to properly draft statements to the necessary authorities.
If violations occur, especially if these violations are related to emotional or other forms of violence in the family, any person can be the applicant, regardless of whether they are the victim themselves, a relative of the victim, a family member, or even a stranger.
