Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
Comprehensive law protecting women from domestic violence
Definition of Domestic Violence (Section 3)
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act defines domestic violence to include the following acts:
1. Acts that harm, injure, or endanger women
Any act that harms, injures, or endangers the health, safety, life, limb, or overall well-being (whether mental or physical) of a woman. This encompasses:
Physical Abuse: Any act causing bodily harm, injury, or physical violence
Sexual Abuse: Any conduct of sexual nature that abuses, humiliates, degrades or violates the dignity of woman
Verbal and Emotional Abuse: Insults, ridicule, humiliation, name calling or intimidation specifically with regard to adequate maintenance
Economic Abuse: Deprivation of all or any economic or financial resources, disposal of household effects, prohibition or restriction to continued access to resources
2. Harassment for dowry or property
Any harassment, harm, injury, or endangerment inflicted upon a woman with the intention of coercing her or any person related to her to meet any unlawful demand for dowry or any other property or valuable security.