Section 3 of PWDVA : Section 3: Definitions Of Domestic Violence

Explanation using Example

Example Scenario:

Rita is married to Arjun. Over the past few months, Arjun has become increasingly aggressive. He frequently yells at Rita, belittles her for not having a job, and controls her access to the family's bank accounts, restricting her ability to buy necessities for herself and their child. One day, during an argument, Arjun slaps Rita and threatens to kick her out of the house if she does not give him the jewelry that was gifted to her by her parents (her stridhan).

In this scenario, Rita is experiencing multiple forms of domestic violence as defined by The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005:

• Arjun's act of slapping Rita constitutes physical abuse.
• The verbal assaults and humiliation, especially regarding her unemployment, are forms of verbal and emotional abuse.
• Restricting Rita's access to the family's bank accounts and controlling her financial resources is an example of economic abuse.
• Threatening to evict her if she doesn't hand over her jewelry is a way of coercing her to meet an unlawful demand, which is also covered under the Act.

Rita can seek protection under the Act, which may include a protection order against Arjun, monetary relief, custody orders for their child, and compensation for her injuries and emotional distress.