You can complain against both men and women for domestic violence. You can complain against the following:
- Your family: You can complain about your family, if they are subjecting you to domestic violence, in the following circumstances:
- If you are related to the harasser by blood, you can file a case against them. For example, your father, brother, etc.
- If you are related to your harasser by marriage, you can file a case against them, such as your in-laws, husband, etc.
- If you are related to your harasser by virtue of living together as a joint family, you can file a case against them. For example, your grandmother, uncle, adopted brother, etc. However, you can complain only against those who were complicit in the violence.(( Ashish Dixit v. State of UP & Anr. (2013) 4 SCC 176.)) For example, if you live in a joint family with ten people, and only your mother-in-law and husband subjected you to violence, you can complain only against them.
- Your live-in partner: If your live-in partner hurts or abuses you, you can file a complaint against him.
- Minors: You can complain against a minor who is subjecting you to domestic violence.(( Hiral P. Harsora v. Kusum Narottamdas Harsora (2016) 10 SCC 165.)) For example, if a 16 year old boy in your family is physically hurting you, then you can file a complaint for domestic violence.
While going to Court, keep in mind that you must have been subjected to domestic violence by someone with whom you have shared not only a domestic relationship but also shared a 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.