Domestic Violence Act: Common Myths vs Reality
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (DV Act) is one of the most important pieces of legislation aimed at protecting women from abuse in the home. However, despite being in force for nearly two decades, it remains widely misunderstood. Myths surrounding the Act often discourage victims from seeking help or lead to misinformation in public discourse. Let’s separate myth from reality.
Myth 1: Domestic violence only means physical assault.
Reality:
Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. The DV Act recognizes four broad categories of abuse:
Physical (e.g., hitting, slapping),
Emotional/verbal (e.g., constant insults, humiliation),
Sexual (e.g., forced intercourse), and
Economic (e.g., withholding money or denying access to basic needs).
This wide definition ensures that women can seek protection even if there are no physical injuries.
Myth 2: Only married women can file a complaint.
Reality:
The Act applies to any woman who is or has been in a domestic relationship. This includes wives, daughters, mothers, sisters, widows, and even women in live-in relationships. If a woman has lived with someone in a shared household, she may be entitled to protection under the Act, even without formal marriage.
Myth 3: The Act is biased and used to harass men.
Reality:
This is a commonly raised criticism, but it overlooks the purpose of the law. The DV Act is a civil law that aims to protect women from violence, not punish men. Remedies include protection orders, residence rights, and maintenance—not criminal penalties (unless orders are violated or the conduct amounts to an offense under IPC). Moreover, courts carefully examine each case. Misuse, if any, can be challenged legally.
Myth 4: The law is only for women living in poverty or in rural areas.
Reality:
Domestic violence can affect any woman, regardless of education, income, or social status. Abuse happens in both rural and urban households, among the rich and the poor. The DV Act does not distinguish based on class or location—it protects all women equally.
Myth 5: You must leave your home to get protection.
Reality:
One of the strengths of the DV Act is that it allows a woman to seek safety without being forced to leave her home. She can ask the court for a residence order, ensuring her right to stay in the shared household or to be provided alternative accommodation. This is especially important for women with children or limited financial means.
Conclusion
Misinformation about the Domestic Violence Act can be dangerous—not just for the victims who might hesitate to act, but also for society at large. Understanding the reality helps victims take informed decisions and empowers communities to support survivors. At its heart, the DV Act is a protective law designed to uphold a woman’s right to live in safety, dignity, and peace, within her own home.