What the PWDVA covers
- Physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and economic abuse by a husband or any family member
- Live-in relationships too — not just married women
Step 1: Get to safety first
If in immediate danger, call 112 right now. You can also walk into any police station — they must assist. Legal steps come after safety.
Step 2: Contact the Protection Officer (PO)
Every district has a free Protection Officer appointed by the State Government. Find the PO through the District Women & Child Development office, the district court complex, or by calling 181. Their service is completely free — you don't need a lawyer at any stage.
Step 3: File a Domestic Incident Report (DIR)
The Protection Officer prepares a Domestic Incident Report based on what you tell them, and files it with the Magistrate — this triggers the legal process automatically. The PO can also arrange temporary shelter at a government Shelter Home if needed.
Step 4: The first hearing must happen within 3 days
Under Section 12(4), the Magistrate must fix the first hearing within 3 days of receiving your application. If the situation is urgent, the Magistrate can grant an ex-parte Protection Order at that hearing, without the respondent being present. This order prohibits the abuser from contacting or approaching you. Under Section 17, you also have the right to continue living in the shared household. The Magistrate is expected to dispose of the full application within 60 days of the first hearing.
Documents that help your case
- Photographs or videos of injuries, date-stamped if possible
- Medical records or hospital discharge summary
- Screenshots of threatening or abusive messages (WhatsApp, SMS, email)
- Bank statements, for economic abuse — withheld money or denied account access
- Children's documents (birth certificates, school records), if custody is a concern