Understanding Domestic Violence Cases (DVC)
Domestic Violence or DV cases are instituted under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. This Act provides comprehensive reliefs to aggrieved women under one law, covering personal (physical, emotional & mental), social, and economic security from family members/relatives — including persons who are or have been in a domestic relationship with the aggrieved woman, subject to the provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
The salient feature of this legislation is that an aggrieved woman can approach the Protection Officer, who after examining her, prepares a Domestic Incident Report (DIR) and forwards it to the local magistrate seeking reliefs such as protection orders, maintenance, residential order, child custody, and compensation. The woman can also directly approach the magistrate under Sections 12 & 23 of the Act for immediate relief.
Reliefs Available under the DV Act
Protection Order (Sec. 18)
Prohibits respondent from committing any act of domestic violence.
Residential Order (Sec. 19)
Right to reside in shared household, alternative accommodation.
Maintenance & Monetary Relief (Sec. 20)
Monthly maintenance, loss of earnings, medical expenses.
Custody Order (Sec. 21)
Temporary or permanent custody of children.
Compensation Order (Sec. 22)
For injuries, mental torture, and harassment suffered.
Ex-parte Relief (Sec. 23)
Reliefs can be granted without hearing the opposite side in urgent situations.
📄 Documents / Information That May Be Helpful (not mandatory)
- Aadhar Card of Aggrieved woman
- Aadhar Card of minor children (if any)
- Passport Photos of Aggrieved woman & minor children (if available)
- Marriage photographs, wedding invitation, marriage certificate, or any other proof of domestic relationship (if available)
- Birth certificates of minor children
- Education fees receipts of the minor children (if relevant)
- Medical reports of aggrieved woman or children (if any medical condition)
- Bank statements, income details, or financial records (if available and relevant to maintenance claims)
- Husband's bank details/Pay Slip/IT returns (if available)
- Relevant supporting evidence such as photographs, medical records, messages, emails, call records, witness statements, or other documents related to the allegations
- Property documents (if available)
- Previous court cases history (if any)
