How to file a domestic abuse complaint

India Today

It’s been nearly 20 years since the Domestic Violence Act came into force, yet many still don’t know what it covers. It’s not just physical abuse, it includes mental, sexual, and financial abuse too.

Transcript

00:00It has been 20 years since the Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act of 2005 was passed

00:06and recently the Supreme Court gave a wake-up call to all states asking states to ensure that

00:12this law works actually as intended. But what is domestic violence under the DV Act?

00:18It is not just physical. Sure, it includes physical violence, whether it slaps to severe beatings,

00:31but it is also including mental violence, which is constant insults, threats, humiliation.

00:37It can be sexual violence, forcing a partner into unwanted acts or causing pain during sex.

00:43And it is financial violence as well, holding back money for basic needs or taking away a

00:48woman's salary. Now, here's something very important. This law is not just for wives.

00:55It protects any woman living under the same roof, be it mothers, sisters, partners, widows,

01:02in-laws, even those in relationships like marriage or adoption. If you're part of a joint family,

01:08you're included too. But can anyone file a complaint? Absolutely. Any woman facing violence

01:15can report it? If she is unable to do it herself, a friend, neighbour or family member can step in

01:21and file the complaint for her. Where do you go to report? You can head to the police station,

01:27a protection officer, an NGO designated for this purpose or directly to a magistrate. And what happens

01:34after you file a complaint? The complaint is logged and often the police will attempt counselling between

01:39the parties. If immediate help is needed, the woman may be taken to medical care or placed in a safe shelter.

01:47The case then goes before a magistrate court, who can then pass various types of orders. They can order

01:53counselling, ensure the woman is not thrown out of her home, provide police protection if necessary, grant

01:59financial assistance for expenses, etc. Even award temporary custody of the child to the mother,

02:05give compensation for mental, emotional or physical trauma caused by the violence.

02:11And remember, even if your district does not have a protection officer, you can approach the police or

02:17an NGO. They will get your case to court. And yes, a domestic violence complaint can accompany

02:23an FIR in cases of involving physical injury, dowry harassment or other offences. So know your rights,

02:31stay informed, speak up.

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