What is domestic violence?

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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. With the help of the law(( Form IV, The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Rules, 2006.)), you can:

Prevent further violence by getting immediate protection. To get immediate protection, you can approach different authorities, such as the police, protection officer, etc.
Go to Court for:
- Remedies such as monetary compensation, getting a place to stay etc.
- Filing a criminal complaint to punish your harasser

Kinds of Domestic Violence

The kind of violence you face does not always have to be physical. The law also recognizes other kinds of domestic violence such as sexual violence, verbal abuse, emotional or mental abuse and monetary abuse. For example, if your brother-in-law threatens to throw you out of the house every day, this is a form of emotional abuse.

Frequency of Domestic Violence

Even a single act of violence can constitute domestic violence(( Section 3, The Prohibition of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005.)). You don’t have to endure domestic violence for a prolonged period of time to go to Court or seek help.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How can you go to Court for Domestic Violence?

If you have faced domestic violence, then you can file an application with the Court (Civil Court, Family Court or Criminal Court) for immediate help and protection.