In the on-going debate over the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) (Amendment) Bill 2005, an important aspect that has not been discussed is that the new provisions have made women more vulnerable to mental abuse.

Husbands can now enter polygamous marriages readily if not easily by a mere word "or" The provision that used to demand that a decision to take on another wife must be "just and necessary" has been deliberately amended to "just or necessary". A man then does not have to prove that his second (or third, or fourth) marriage is just and that he will ensure that all his wives will receive equal financial and emotional support, and love. He just has to prove that it is necessary for whatever reason.

From Women's Aid Organisation's work with domestic violence for 23 years, we found that many married Muslim women live in fear of their husbands entering polygamous marriages. This fear can be so crippling that it stops them from being able to live normal and happy lives. Some of the women experience fear of being abandoned and loss of love, on top of the fear of deep hurt and, in many instances, of being beaten by their husbands.

Living in fear is a form of domestic violence. It constitutes emotional and psychological abuse. This will affect the children, and ultimately it affects the institution of the family itself.

The author is social work manager of Women's Aid Organisation.