Protection Against Domestic Violence
Women have the right to live free from physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and economic abuse within the household.
🗣️ What this means for you
If you are being abused by your husband, in-laws, or any family member — whether it is hitting, threatening, controlling your money, or emotional torture — you are protected under the law. You can get a protection order from the court to stop the abuse, right to live in the shared household, monetary relief, and custody of children. You do not have to leave your home.
Step-by-Step Action Plan
If in immediate danger, call Women Helpline 181 or Police 112.
Contact a Protection Officer in your district (available through the District Magistrate's office).
File a Domestic Incident Report (DIR) with the Protection Officer — this is an official record of abuse.
Approach the Magistrate's Court for a Protection Order under Section 18.
Seek additional reliefs: residence order (right to stay in shared household), monetary relief, custody order, and compensation.
You can also file an FIR under Section 85-86 of BNS, 2023 (cruelty by husband or relatives).
Contact an NGO or shelter home — list available at ncw.nic.in.
⚖️ The Relevant Law
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (2005)
Section 3 — Definition of Domestic Violence, Section 18-23 — Reliefs
"Domestic violence includes any act, omission, or conduct that harms, injures, or endangers the health, safety, life, limb, or well-being — whether mental or physical — of the aggrieved person. It includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, and economic abuse."
⚠️ Punishment / Penalty
Breach of a protection order is punishable with imprisonment up to 1 year or fine up to ₹20,000 or both. The respondent may also be directed to pay monetary relief (maintenance, compensation, and rent).
Required Documents
- 📄Domestic Incident Report (DIR) — can be filed with Protection Officer
- 📄Medical reports of injuries (if any)
- 📄Photos of injuries or damage to property
- 📄Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, Aadhaar)
- 📄Evidence of abuse (recordings, messages, screenshots)
- 📄Address proof of the shared household