Case Study – A Family in Distress

Kabir (name changed) comes from a family of 7, consisting of his parents and four sisters. Kabir’s mother suffers from a severe psychological disorder. She has also experienced prolonged domestic violence at the hands of Kabir’s father, who regularly consumes alcohol and has reportedly physically abused all members of the family including Kabir and his four sisters. This is one of the reasons why Kabir’s sisters stay separately from the parents in different parts of Mumbai. Kabir’s mother also has a history of staying at shelter homes for women in distress on multiple occasions. 

Roop (name changed), one of the four sisters, lives along with another sister, Kiran (name changed), and Kiran’s two-year-old daughter. Kiran is separated from her husband. As a single mother of a young child, she faces difficulties pursuing regular employment and her aspiration of joining the state police. 

Kiran and another sister, Mala (name changed), both wish to continue their education. Kiran hopes to complete her graduation, while Mala aspires to pursue a career in medicine. However, due to the family’s financial constraints, neither has been able to pursue these goals. 

The family also became involved in a legal dispute after paying Rs. 7 lakh as deposit for a house, but the amount has not yet been recovered. In addition, the family faces difficulties in accessing government welfare benefits due to the absence of a ration card that includes Kabir’s mother and all her children.