CRITICAL ANALYSIS: DOMESCTIC VIOLENCE AN ITS LEGAL PROTECTION IN INDIA

AUTHOR – AKSHAYA MPS* & HEMAVATHY D**

* STUDENT AT TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

** PROFESSOR AT TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – AKSHAYA MPS & HEMAVATHY D, CRITICAL ANALYSIS: DOMESCTIC VIOLENCE AN ITS LEGAL PROTECTION IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (3) OF 2026, PG. 405-409, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

Domestic violence is one of the most serious social and legal issues affecting individuals worldwide, particularly women. It includes physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse within domestic relationships. In India, domestic violence was historically treated as a private family matter, but growing awareness and activism have led to stronger legal protections. The enactment of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) marked a significant milestone in addressing violence against women within households. The Act provides civil remedies such as protection orders, residence orders, custody orders, and compensation to victims.

Despite the existence of various laws and legal frameworks, domestic violence continues to remain widespread due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and weaknesses in implementation. This research paper examines the concept of domestic violence, the legal framework for protection, the role of courts, and the challenges faced in enforcing laws. It also evaluates the effectiveness of legal remedies and suggests reforms to improve protection for victims.

Women form the largest group of victims of domestic violence since time immemorial and violence against women still continue even in the 21st century. Women from every social background irrespective of their age, religion, caste, or class fall victim to domestic violence. However domestic violence is not just limited to women; men, children and elderly people can also be victims of it.

Domestic violence occurs at all levels of society and in all population groups.

In India, 30% women have experienced domestic violence at least once from the age of 15, and around 4 percent of pregnant women have even experienced spousal violence during pregnancy.

Key Words:  Domestic violence, Legal issues, civil remedies, victims, Awareness, Women, Society etc,,.