CAMPAIGN group Southall Black Sisters (SBS) welcomed a landmark ruling today that delivered justice for a survivor of rape and abuse who tragically died before her abuser was held accountable.

On Thursday, Ravi Yadav was convicted at Isleworth crown court of raping and financially abusing his wife, Gurwinder Kaur.

She sought help from SBS, which supports black and minoritised women facing abuse, and told the group how she had been coerced into the marriage aged 19.

Ms Gurwinder then lived with her in-laws in India, where she was subjected to dowry-related harassment, domestic servitude and daily humiliation. 

As a Sikh woman, she also faced religiously motivated abuse from her Hindu husband and his family.

A year later, she joined her husband in Britain and endured verbal, emotional, physical, and financial abuse.

In 2020, Mr Yadav raped Ms Kaur twice in a single night and left her deeply traumatised. With support from SBS she managed to secure legal protection. 

Following the perpetrator’s arrest that August, he was released on bail.

SBS secured non-molestation and occupation orders, preventing the perpetrator from contacting Ms Kaur or returning to the family home. 

Tragically, Ms Kaur passed away from cancer before she could see her abuser brought to justice. 

Initially the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) declined to proceed with the case, citing her death as a barrier to prosecution, but reversed its decision after sustained pressure.

SBS believes it to be the first ruling in Britain where a conviction for rape has been secured despite the victim passing away before the conclusion of the trial. 

SBS head of legal affairs Shakila Taranum Maan said: “While Gurwinder’s life was marked by extraordinary resilience in the face of relentless abuse, her legacy is one of courage and hope. 

”Her decision to speak out, despite the risks, sends a powerful message to other women trapped in silence.”

“This conviction must serve as a turning point. SBS calls for urgent reforms to better protect women — especially those facing multiple barriers due to race, religion, class, caste, disabilities, and immigration status. 

”No woman should ever have to die for her truth to be believed.”