Yes, the Act allows a survivor to be granted a residence order in the shared accommodation where she is currently residing or has resided with the accused in the past. Even if you are not the owner of that house and are a tenant or if it is the joint family property, you can apply for a residence order.
Theme: Domestic Violence
There is no Protection Officer or Service Provider in the region I live, what can I do if I am facing domestic violence?
You can either file a case under section 498A of the Indian Penal Code with the police. You also have the option of approaching the Magistrate directly to file a Domestic Incident Report. Further, you can also request the police to file the Domestic Incident Report on your behalf. In the scenario that the police refuse, you have the option of approaching a magistrate to ask the magistrate to direct the police to file a Domestic Incident Report on your behalf.
I am in a live-in-relationship and my partner abused me. Can I file a complaint under this Act?
Can I file a case against my mother-in-law or my brother?
Yes, you can file a case against your mother-in-law or your brother. As per the law, you are protected from any family members who are living together as a joint family or have lived together as a joint family at any point.
Does my husband have to be present for the Magistrate to pass an order?
Given the nature of domestic violence cases, the law allows the Magistrate to pass temporary orders or orders in the absence of the offender if there is an immediate threat of violence. Thus, you have a right to apply to the Magistrate for any relief required by you.
What if my husband continues to subject me to domestic abuse me while counselling is in progress?
You can report the incidence of domestic abuse to the counsellor. The purpose of the counselling process is to get an assurance that the incidence of domestic violence will not get repeated. The counsellor will take adequate measures including approaching the magistrate to prevent further violence.
I was assigned to a shelter home, but my husband and his family still harass me there. What can I do?
A shelter home is supposed to be a safe space for you. Ideally as per the law, if you wish to maintain your anonymity while being at the shelter home the shelter home should allow you to do so.
What if the police officer refuses to lodge my complaint?
In such a situation, you can directly approach Magistrate’s court with a ‘private complaint’ wherein you can request the court to get your FIR registered by the police. You can even file a complaint yourself and attach it along with your application.
Can you also file a case under the domestic violence law for dowry harassment?
Yes, depending on the type of harassment faced, whether verbal or physical, it would qualify as domestic violence under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005. The act provides immediate relief from any kind of harassment faced. The definition of domestic violence given in the law is very wide and covers a broad range of behaviours and instances, including harassment and harm arising from an unlawful demand for dowry.(( Section 3(b), The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.))
How do I know my husband is subjecting me to domestic abuse/violence?
If your husband is physically beating you, or denying you access to food or money, or is forcing you to engage in sexual activities that you do not want to perform (including sex and something like forcing you to watch pornography) or mentally and emotionally harasses you about not being able to have a male child or any such other behaviour, it is domestic violence. Further, please look at Form IV which provides information on the rights of aggrieved persons.(( Form IV, The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Rules, 2006.))