What are the penalties for a wife who forbids her husband from going out to eat and drink?
My husband frequently hangs out with friends and drinks after work, while I'm left alone to cook, clean, and take care of the children. Every time I bring it up, he claims that men need social interaction, even that drinking is necessary to secure contracts with partners. He even says I'm "invading his privacy." I would like to ask if there are any legal regulations regarding this issue? (Ms. Ho Thi H., Trung Loc commune, Nghe An province)
Reply:According to point e, clause 1, Article 3 of the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence 2022, preventing family members from meeting relatives or having legitimate and healthy social relationships, or other acts aimed at isolating or constantly putting psychological pressure on a family member, constitutes domestic violence, specifically as follows:
Article 3. Acts of domestic violence
1. Acts of domestic violence include:
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e) Preventing family members from meeting relatives, having legitimate and healthy social relationships, or engaging in other behaviors aimed at isolating them or exerting constant psychological pressure;
On the other hand, according to Clause 1, Article 40 of Decree No. 282/2025/ND-CP, the act of preventing family members from meeting relatives or having legitimate and healthy social relationships, or other acts aimed at isolating or constantly putting psychological pressure on them, will be subject to administrative penalties, specifically as follows:
Article 40. Acts of coercion, obstruction, isolation, imprisonment, and constant psychological pressure.
1. A fine of VND 5,000,000 to VND 10,000,000 shall be imposed for any of the following acts:
a) Preventing family members from meeting relatives, having legitimate and healthy social relationships, or engaging in other behaviors aimed at isolating them or exerting constant psychological pressure;
Furthermore, the act of isolating or imprisoning family members can also be subject to penalties under Clause 3, Article 40 of Decree No. 282/2025/ND-CP, with fines up to 30 million VND, specifically as follows:
Article 40. Acts of coercion, obstruction, isolation, imprisonment, and constant psychological pressure.
[...]
3. A fine of VND 20,000,000 to VND 30,000,000 shall be imposed for the act of isolating or detaining a family member, except in the case stipulated in point a, clause 1 of this Article.
Therefore, preventing your husband from going out to meet friends and business partners in legitimate and healthy social relationships will be considered an act of domestic violence and may be subject to administrative penalties under the above regulations, with fines up to 10 million VND or even up to 30 million VND (if you isolate or confine your husband).
