PWDVA stands for the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005. Here is a quick overview of the major things mentioned in this act.
WHO IS COVERED UNDER THE ACT?
■ All women who may be mothers, sisters, sister, wives, widows, or partners living in a shared household. 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 include both male and female relatives of the male partner.
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.
■ The mother of a child can make an application on behalf of her minor child (whether male or female).
WHERE TO GIVE THE COMPLAINT?
■ Police officer
■ Protection Officer
■ A service provider (an NGO)
■ Magistrate
ORDERS BY THE MAGISTRATE UNDER THIS ACT?
1. Direct to undergo counseling either singly or jointly,
2. Direct that the woman shall not be evicted or excluded from the household or any part of it.
3. Issue Protection order, providing protection to the woman.
4. Grant monetary relief to meet the expenses incurred and losses suffered by the aggrieved person and any child of the aggrieved person as a result of the domestic violence.
5. Grant custody orders, i.e., temporary custody of any child or children to the aggrieved person.
6. Grant compensation/damages for the injuries. Including mental torture and emotional distress caused by the acts of domestic violence committed by that respondent.
7. Breach of any order of the Magistrate is an offense that is punishable under the law.
Remember
If you are facing domestic violence, there are laws in our country to protect to you, there are people around to support you, all you have to do is, show the courage to speak up and report the issue to someone who is trustworthy. Also, please don't be a bystander!! If you know someone who is being struggled with domestic violence report to the authorities on behalf of that person at the earliest.
Please Note these numbers!
■ Domestic Abuse National Helpline : 181
■ Women Police Helpline : 1091, 1291
■ NCW WhatsApp Number : 7217735372
■ Kerala Govt. WhatsApp Number : 9400080292
More Helpline Numbers : https://mentxblog.wixsite.com/website/post/women-helplines-in-india-whisper-speak-and-shout
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