The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides civil remedies to a woman subjected to physical, emotional, verbal, sexual or economic abuse by a person with whom she lives or has lived in a domestic relationship.
If you are in immediate danger, call 112 first. We assist aggrieved women in seeking relief, and also represent respondents in these proceedings.
What this covers
- Protection orders
- Residence orders
- Monetary relief and maintenance
- Temporary custody of children
- Compensation
- Representation of respondents
How the process generally works
- Domestic incident report
A Protection Officer or service provider may record a domestic incident report.
- Application
An application is filed before the Magistrate, who may grant interim relief at an early stage.
- Hearing and orders
After hearing both sides, the Magistrate may grant protection, residence, monetary and custody orders.
Relevant law
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, sections 12 and 18 to 22
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, sections 85 and 86 (cruelty by husband or relatives)
Common questions
Is a domestic violence case a criminal case?
Proceedings under the Domestic Violence Act are mainly civil remedies decided by a Magistrate, although breaching a protection order is an offence. Separate criminal complaints may also be possible on the same facts.