
Swati’s family refused her request to marry and vehemently opposed the relationship continuing. In traditional Indian families, parents still believe they have the right to determine their children’s future. Vikas was not the future they envisaged for their daughter. During one heated argument, the violence became extreme and Swati was severely beaten by both her father and brother. From then she lived in fear that this violence would continue or escalate if she did not change her mind.