What are the Rights and Remedies for Victims against Domestic Violence?

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[Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on domestic violence which some readers may find disturbing.]

Victims of domestic violence have certain rights under the domestic law as well as remedies to protect themselves and their children. The Protection Officer, or a service provider, has a duty to inform you of these rights and remedies.

Rights under the law

You have a right to:

Register a complaint and file an application to the Court, with the assistance of the Protection Officer, a service provider or a police officer.
Receive medical aid and shelter, counselling and legal aid.
To get free copies of any FIRs that you might have filed, if you have filed a criminal complaint.
To get free copies of any DIRs that you might have filed, application for relief, and medical reports, if you have approached the Protection Officer.

Remedies under the law

In addition to the rights that you have, you can also avail certain remedies from the Court. You can:

Reside in your house with your children, known as a residence order.
Receive immediate protection, which will protect you from domestic violence, restrain the harasser from contacting you, etc.

Receive monetary compensation for physical injuries, loss of property, etc.

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Related Resources

Who can seek Protection against Domestic Violence?

Any woman can file a complaint and seek protection against domestic violence under the law, for herself and her child/children. The religion of the woman does not matter.

What is the Time Limit to Complain against Domestic Violence?

There is no specific time limit for filing a complaint against domestic violence, but you must be able to prove that you were in a domestic relationship with the harasser at the time the violence took place.

How can you get Immediate Protection for Domestic Violence?

To seek immediate protection from domestic violence, you should file an application with the Court with the help of a Protection Officer or a lawyer.

What is Counseling under Domestic Violence law?

Counseling refers to the provision of professional guidance by a counselor, who will help you and your harasser settle the matter of the domestic violence you have faced, furnish a guarantee that violence will not repeat, and come up with the best possible solution to the problem of domestic violence.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence refers to violent or abusive behavior in a household that causes harm and may put the health and safety of a woman or any child under her custody in danger.

What is a Shared Household ?

You live in a shared household with your harasser if you lived with the harasser, have a domestic relationship with the harasser and have/do not have a legal share in the house.