Domestic violence is not just physical assault. Under Indian law, it includes emotional abuse, verbal abuse, economic abuse (withholding money), and sexual abuse — all within a domestic relationship. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) gives women one of the strongest legal frameworks in the world to seek immediate protection.
This guide explains your rights clearly and tells you exactly who to call and what to do.
What Counts as Domestic Violence Under the Law?
The PWDVA covers a much wider range of abuse than most people realise:
- Physical abuse: hitting, slapping, kicking, burning, or any act that causes bodily harm
- Sexual abuse: forced sexual acts or acts that humiliate or degrade
- Verbal and emotional abuse: insults, humiliation, threats, controlling behaviour, isolation from family and friends
- Economic abuse: denying money for basic needs, taking away your income, preventing you from working
- Dowry harassment: demands for dowry after marriage
Who Can File a Complaint?
Any woman who is or has been in a domestic relationship with the abuser can file a complaint. This includes:
- Wives or women in live-in relationships
- Daughters, mothers, sisters living in the same household
- A woman can also file on behalf of another woman being abused
The abuser can be a husband, partner, in-laws, parents, brothers — anyone in the same household.
Your Rights Under PWDVA 2005
The law gives you several powerful remedies that can be obtained quickly through court:
- Protection Order: A court order prohibiting the abuser from committing violence, contacting you, or entering your home or workplace
- Residence Order: Your right to continue living in the shared household — the abuser cannot throw you out of the house
- Monetary Relief: Court can order the abuser to pay for medical expenses, loss of income, and maintenance
- Custody Order: Temporary custody of children can be granted to you
- Compensation Order: You can claim damages for injuries, mental torture, and emotional distress
How to File a Complaint
- Call Women Helpline 181 or 1091 — available 24/7. They can send a Protection Officer to help you file a complaint and connect you with emergency shelter if needed.
- Contact a Protection Officer — every district has Protection Officers appointed under PWDVA. They are your primary point of contact and will help you file an application in court for free.
- File a complaint at the nearest police station — under Section 498A IPC (cruelty by husband or in-laws) or under the PWDVA. The police must register an FIR.
- Approach the Magistrate’s court directly — you can file an application yourself with the help of a legal aid lawyer (free through NALSA).
Emergency Shelter and Support
If you are in immediate danger and need to leave home:
- Call 181 — the Distress Helpline connects you to emergency shelter (One Stop Centres) in most districts
- One Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres) provide emergency shelter, medical aid, police help, legal aid, and counselling — all under one roof, free of charge
- Call 1091 (Women Helpline) or 112 (Police Emergency) if you are in immediate danger
Free · 24/7 · Emergency shelter + legal help
Quick Summary
- Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse
- Call 181 or 1091 for immediate help
- You have the right to stay in your home — no one can legally throw you out
- Protection Officers in every district will help you file a complaint for free
- Free legal aid is available through NALSA (call 15100)
- One Stop Centres provide emergency shelter, medical, legal, and police help
All information sourced from the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 and wcd.nic.in. This is not legal advice. MeraHaq is not affiliated with any government body.