New laws needed to tackle Aust dowry abuse

New national laws are needed to classify the cultural practice of dowry abuse as a form of domestic violence, the final report of a Senate inquiry has found.

The report, released on Thursday, also recommended the government make changes to Australia’s migration program, including creating a special visa for dowry abuse victims.

Payment of dowry is a cultural practice which occurs in countries across South Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with the bride’s family usually paying the groom and his family in cash, gold, gifts and property at marriage.

But in some cases, grooms and their families have been known to escalate demands for larger gifts or increased cash payments.

There have been incidents of abuse, abandonment, rape, murder and suicide in migrant communities in Australia when the bride’s family have been unable to comply, the Senate inquiry heard.

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