What is a Domestic Relationship?

Last updated on May 11, 2022

[Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on domestic violence which some readers may find disturbing.]

In order to seek relief for domestic violence under the law, you need to prove that you have a domestic relationship with the harasser. A domestic relationship means that you are related in any of the following ways with your harasser:

  • Related by blood. For example, any relative, like your uncle, your sister, your father, etc.
  • Related by marriage. For example, your husband, your sister-in law, your brother-in law, etc.
  • Relationship that is similar to the nature of marriage, like your live-in partner.
  • Related by adoption. For example, your step-father, your step-brother, etc.
  • Related by virtue of living together as a joint family. For example, in a joint family, you can complaint against all members of the family such as your father, brother/sister-in-law, uncle/aunt, grandmother/father etc.

To go to Court, you also have to prove that you and the harasser currently live, or have lived in the past, in a shared household.

Some states provide handbooks for ASHA workers where you can find more information on forms on violence and how to file a complaint to seek protection against domestic violence. For example, see this handbook published for ASHA in Chattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

As you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a question you want to ask our legal experts?

Related Resources

Who can seek Protection against Domestic Violence?

Any woman can file a complaint and seek protection against domestic violence under the law, for herself and her child/children. The religion of the woman does not matter.
Crimes and Violence

What is the Time Limit to Complain against Domestic Violence?

There is no specific time limit for filing a complaint against domestic violence, but you must be able to prove that you were in a domestic relationship with the harasser at the time the violence took place.
Crimes and Violence

How can you get Immediate Protection for Domestic Violence?

To seek immediate protection from domestic violence, you should file an application with the Court with the help of a Protection Officer or a lawyer.
Crimes and Violence

What is Counseling under Domestic Violence law?

Counseling refers to the provision of professional guidance by a counselor, who will help you and your harasser settle the matter of the domestic violence you have faced, furnish a guarantee that violence will not repeat, and come up with the best possible solution to the problem of domestic violence.
Crimes and Violence

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence refers to violent or abusive behavior in a household that causes harm and may put the health and safety of a woman or any child under her custody in danger.
Crimes and Violence

What is a Shared Household ?

You live in a shared household with your harasser if you lived with the harasser, have a domestic relationship with the harasser and have/do not have a legal share in the house.
Crimes and Violence