00:00It has been 20 years since the Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act of 2005 was passed
00:06and recently the Supreme Court gave a wake-up call to all states asking states to ensure that
00:12this law works actually as intended. But what is domestic violence under the DV Act?
00:18It is not just physical. Sure, it includes physical violence, whether it slaps to severe beatings,
00:31but it is also including mental violence, which is constant insults, threats, humiliation.
00:37It can be sexual violence, forcing a partner into unwanted acts or causing pain during sex.
00:43And it is financial violence as well, holding back money for basic needs or taking away a
00:48woman's salary. Now, here's something very important. This law is not just for wives.
00:55It protects any woman living under the same roof, be it mothers, sisters, partners, widows,
01:02in-laws, even those in relationships like marriage or adoption. If you're part of a joint family,
01:08you're included too. But can anyone file a complaint? Absolutely. Any woman facing violence
01:15can report it? If she is unable to do it herself, a friend, neighbour or family member can step in
01:21and file the complaint for her. Where do you go to report? You can head to the police station,
01:27a protection officer, an NGO designated for this purpose or directly to a magistrate. And what happens
01:34after you file a complaint? The complaint is logged and often the police will attempt counselling between
01:39the parties. If immediate help is needed, the woman may be taken to medical care or placed in a safe shelter.
01:47The case then goes before a magistrate court, who can then pass various types of orders. They can order
01:53counselling, ensure the woman is not thrown out of her home, provide police protection if necessary, grant
01:59financial assistance for expenses, etc. Even award temporary custody of the child to the mother,
02:05give compensation for mental, emotional or physical trauma caused by the violence.
02:11And remember, even if your district does not have a protection officer, you can approach the police or
02:17an NGO. They will get your case to court. And yes, a domestic violence complaint can accompany
02:23an FIR in cases of involving physical injury, dowry harassment or other offences. So know your rights,
02:31stay informed, speak up.
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