Domestic Violence in India: Know Your Rights, Get Legal Protection

Domestic violence is an unfortunate reality for thousands of women in India — but it doesn’t have to be your reality forever. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 is one of the strongest laws to protect women from physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and economic abuse.

If you or someone you know is being abused by a husband or family member, you have powerful legal rights to stop the abuse and live with dignity.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is not just physical beating — it includes:

• Physical abuse: hitting, slapping, kicking, beating.
• Emotional abuse: insults, constant humiliation, threats, controlling your life.
• Sexual abuse: forced sexual acts, marital rape.
• Economic abuse: not giving you money for basic needs, stopping you from working.
• Verbal abuse: threats, offensive words, taunts for dowry or having a girl child.
  
  Under the Domestic Violence Act, you have the right to seek protection from all these forms of abuse.

Who Can File a Domestic Violence Case?

✅ Any woman who is:

• Wife or live-in partner
• Mother, sister, or daughter living in the same household
• Any female relative facing violence from male family members

✅ You can file a complaint against husband, in-laws, parents-in-law, or any male relative causing you harm.

Legal Protection Under the Domestic Violence Act

Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, you can ask the court for: ✅ Protection Order: Restraining the abuser from contacting or harming you.
✅ Residence Order: Right to live in the shared household safely.
✅ Monetary Relief: Monthly maintenance for yourself and children.
✅ Custody Order: Temporary custody of children.
✅ Compensation: For physical or mental injury.
✅ Emergency Support: You can get immediate protection through the Protection Officer, police, or NGOs.

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How to File a Domestic Violence Complaint in India

1️⃣ Go to the Nearest Police Station: File an NC or FIR. Domestic violence is a cognizable offence — police must help you.
2️⃣ Contact a Protection Officer: Every district has Protection Officers to assist you in filing a case in court.
3️⃣ Approach the Magistrate Court: File a petition under the Domestic Violence Act. The court can pass emergency protection orders even on the same day.
4️⃣ File for Maintenance & Custody: You can file for maintenance under Section 20 of the DV Act and also under Section 125 CrPC or new BNSS 2023 sections.
5️⃣ Seek Shelter: NGOs, women’s helplines, and government-run homes provide safe shelter.

Important Rights for Women Facing Domestic Violence

✅ You can’t be thrown out of the house. You have the right to reside in the shared household.
✅ Abuser can be ordered to stay away from you, your children, and your workplace.
✅ Domestic violence cases can run along with divorce or maintenance cases.
✅ Domestic violence law covers married women, live-in partners, and mothers-in-law/daughters-in-law too.
✅ The court can direct immediate police protection if you are in danger.

Key Sections to Know

• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
• BNS Section 85: If there’s cruelty or harassment by husband or in-laws.
• BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) sections for criminal procedure.
• Section 125 CrPC / New BNSS Section: For maintenance.

Why Choose Us for Domestic Violence Matters

✔️ Experienced Domestic Violence Lawyers
✔️ Fast Filing & Protection Orders
✔️ Help with Maintenance & Child Custody
✔️ Emergency Legal Help
✔ Compassionate, Confidential Support

Don’t Suffer in Silence — Take Action Today

Domestic violence is a crime, not a private family matter. You have the right to live safely and with dignity. The law is on your side. Speak up, reach out — we’ll stand by you at every step.

📞 Need Legal Help for Domestic Violence?

Contact us today for:
✅ Legal advice
✅ Drafting domestic violence petitions
✅ Protection orders
✅ Maintenance claims
✅ Divorce & child custody support

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