About Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (DV Act):

• The DV Act was enacted by Parliament on September 13, 2005, and extends to the whole of India.
• It is basically meant to provide protection to a wife or female live-in partner from violence at the hands of the husband, a male live-in-partner, or his relatives. 
• Domestic violence under the Act includes actual abuse or the threat of abuse, whether physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or economic.
• Harassment by way of dowry demands is also covered under the definition of domestic violence.
• Who is covered under the Act?
• The Act covers all women who may be mother, sister, wife, widow, or partners living in a shared household.
• The relationship may be in the nature of marriage or adoption.
• In addition, relationships with family members living together as a joint family are also included. 
• Who can file a complaint?
• Any woman who alleges to have been subjected to any act of domestic violence by the offender or any person may file a complaint on her behalf.
• A child is also entitled to relief under the DV Act. The mother of such a child can make an application on behalf of her minor child (whether male or female). 
• In cases where the mother makes an application to the court for herself, the children can also be added as co-applicants.
• However, no female relative of the husband or the male partner can file a complaint against the wife or the female partner.
• Against whom can a complaint be filed?
• Any adult male member who has been in a domestic relationship with the woman
• Relatives of the husband or the male partner (including both male and female relatives of the male partner)
• Remedies available: Under the law, women can apply for reliefs such as
• Protection Order
• Residence Order for residing at Matrimonial House
• Monetary Orders, which include maintenance for herself and her children
• Temporary custody of children
• Compensation order for the damages caused to her
• It is only when the relief granted by the courts is breached that criminal action is taken against the respondent.
• Protection Officers:
• Under the DV Act, Protection Officers have been appointed by the Government to help the aggrieved woman in filing the case.
• They are to be attached to the Magistrates of the courts for the area notified for each protection officer.
• The Protection Officer facilitates the women to approach the court by providing legal aid and get appropriate relief from the courts
• Further, they execute the orders of the Court wherever necessary with the help of the police.
• Options are also available to the aggrieved person to file the petition before the Judicial Magistrate Court, or with the service provider, or at a nearby police station.
• Service Providers:
• Under the DV Act, Service Providers are members of notified Non Governmental Organizations. 
• They co-ordinate with all the stakeholders to get justice and relief for the victims of domestic violence.
• They help the aggrieved women in filing the Domestic Incident Report, provide accommodation in the short-stay homes along with their children, counsel them, and help the aggrieved get medical treatment if necessary. 
• They also impart them with vocational training to help them secure employment and sustainable income.