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The Domestic Violence Act gives women quick civil remedies — protection, the right to stay in the home, and financial support — through the Magistrate's court.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · General information only, not legal advice. In an emergency call 112 or the women helpline 181.
Any of the following by a person in a domestic relationship (husband, in-laws, live-in partner, relatives living together) PWDVA 3:
| Order | Section | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Protection order | 18 | Stops violence, contact, and alienation of assets |
| Residence order | 19 | Right to live in the shared household; restrains dispossession |
| Monetary relief | 20 | Maintenance, medical expenses, loss of earnings |
| Custody order | 21 | Temporary custody of children |
| Compensation | 22 | For injuries, including mental torture and emotional distress |
| Interim / ex parte orders | 23 | Urgent relief before the final hearing |
A woman has the right to reside in the shared household whether or not she has any title in it PWDVA 17. Breach of a protection order is a criminal offence PWDVA 31.
A woman who is or has been in a domestic relationship with the respondent and who alleges domestic violence — including a wife, a woman in a relationship in the nature of marriage, a mother, sister, daughter or widow living in a shared household.
No. Under Section 17 of the Domestic Violence Act, a woman has the right to reside in the shared household, whether or not she has any right, title or interest in it, and she can obtain a residence order from the Magistrate.
The reliefs under the Domestic Violence Act are civil in nature, although they are granted by a Magistrate. Breach of a protection order is a criminal offence under Section 31.
Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to Advocate Ajay Mishra for advice specific to your situation — in person at IP Extension (Delhi) or Vaishali (Ghaziabad), by phone, or by video call.