This law was made to protect women from violence and abuse within the home — not just by husbands, but also by in-laws and other relatives.
It covers physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and economic abuse faced by women in any domestic relationship — wife, daughter, sister, live-in partner, etc.
Key Highlights:
- Covers all forms of abuse — not just physical violence but also mental torture, harassment, threats, and economic control.
- Applies to married women, mothers, sisters, widows, and even women in live-in relationships.
- A woman can file a complaint even if she is still living in the same house as the abuser.
- Courts can order protection, residence, maintenance, custody of children, and restraining orders against the abuser.
- Protection Officers and NGOs can help women file complaints.
- Fast and simple legal remedy — usually heard in Magistrate Court.
Purpose:
To protect women’s rights at home, stop silent suffering, and give them quick legal help and shelter without needing a divorce or police FIR.
FAQs – Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
Q. Who can file a complaint under this Act?
A. Any woman facing domestic violence from her husband, in-laws, or other relatives.
Q. What is considered domestic violence under this Act?
A. Physical abuse, mental torture, verbal insults, sexual abuse, and even financial control.
Q. Is hitting the only form of domestic violence?
A. No. Mental harassment, insults, threats, and denying money are also forms of abuse.
Q. Can a woman in a live-in relationship file a case?
A. Yes, women in live-in relationships are also protected under this law.
Q. Is this law only for married women?
A. No, it also protects daughters, sisters, mothers, widows, and partners in domestic settings.
Q. What kind of help can a woman get from the court?
A. Protection orders, right to live in the house, maintenance, medical help, and child custody.
Q. Can a woman stay in the same house after filing a case?
A. Yes, she has the right to stay in the shared household.
Q. Does she need to file a police FIR to use this Act?
A. No. She can directly approach a Protection Officer or a Magistrate.
Q. What is a Protection Officer?
A. A government-appointed person who helps women file complaints and get relief from the court.
Q. How fast does the court respond?
A. The Magistrate must hear the case within 3 days and give orders within 60 days.
Q. Can she ask for money to take care of herself and her children?
A. Yes, the court can order the husband to pay maintenance.
Q. Can a woman ask for help if she doesn't want a divorce?
A. Yes, she can get legal protection and stay with her husband without filing for divorce.
Q. Can abuse by in-laws be reported under this law?
A. Yes, any abuse from relatives of the husband is also covered.
Q. What if the husband disobeys the court order?
A. He can be arrested and jailed for up to 1 year or fined up to ₹20,000 or both.
Q. Is there any help available if she can't afford a lawyer?
A. Yes, she can get free legal aid through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).
Q. Can a woman file a complaint after many years of marriage?
A. Yes, there is no time limit. She can file whenever she feels unsafe or abused.
Q. Can working women also use this law?
A. Yes, all women — working or non-working — are protected under this Act.
Q. Does this Act apply to men too?
A. No, this law is only for women victims.
Q. Can this Act be misused?
A. Like any law, misuse is possible, but courts check evidence before giving protection.
Q. Where can a woman file the case?
A. At the Magistrate Court in her area, or where she lives or works.
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