Domestic violence refers to the infliction of physical and emotional harm or sexual and financial exploitation by a family member on another family member. Spouses in a marital union are usually the primary victims of this abuse, although it can also extend to other family members. Hiring one of the best criminal defense lawyers will be very beneficial for solid legal support. In the event that the matter is escalated to the higher courts, engagement with the best criminal lawyer in the high court guarantees an aggressive strategy and proficient defense.

Types of domestic violence in India 

• Physical abuse involves hitting and slapping, alongside kicking and causing bodily injuries to the victim.
• Emotional abuse consists of insults, threats, and controlling behavior.
• Sexual abuse forced sexual acts without consent 
• An abuser uses financial dominance as well as denying access to essential financial resources as a type of economic abuse. 

These are the signs of domestic violence.

Domestic violence cases in India 

During 2024, the National Commission for Women (NCW) managed 25,743 total complaints, with domestic violence cases making up 24%, or about 6,237 cases between them. About 28% of complaints addressed the issue of dignity rights, which represented the second largest complaint category after domestic violence and dowry harassment. With 13,868 complaints, Uttar Pradesh had the most of any state and accounted for 54% of all complaints the NCW received. Delhi followed with 2,245 complaints, while Maharashtra had 1,317, and Bihar had 1,233 complaints, and Haryana recorded 1,048 calls. Madhya Pradesh concluded the list with 1,070 complaints relevant to the study.

Real Case: The Tragic Death of Smt. Putta Venkata Madhavi

recent cases on domestic violence in India 

The month of January 2025 showed how serious domestic abuse had become across India through a distressing example. Smt., the authorities declared 39-year-old female Putta Venkata Madhavi was missing from southern India on January 18. She has refused to leave after she and her husband, Putta Guru Murthy, were caught on camera entering their home on January 15. A former army member named Murthy admitted to killing his wife during a scuffle that took place on January 16. To hide his crime, Murthy cut her body and destroyed it by boiling before throwing away the pieces. Reported evidence reveals that authorities detained Murthy for three serious crimes, including murder, as well as cruelty against his wife and modifying evidence.

A lawyer can assist victims of domestic abuse.

Getting help from a lawyer represents the essential beginning towards obtaining justice.

1. File a Domestic Violence Case

Lawyers allow victims to file complaints through the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005.

2. Get a restraining order for domestic violence. 

A protection order granted by legal authorities gives victims protection by banning abusive contacts from their abusers.

3. Secure Financial Compensation

A lawyer can advise victims to claim financial support through maintenance payments from the abusive spouse according to Section 125 of the CrPC.

4. The legal professional helps victims file Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 complaints before seeking divorce and child custody assistance.

5. Provides legal as well as emotional assistance

Through legal expertise, lawyers give victims essential knowledge about their rights together with options that they can choose to protect themselves.

How you can pretend to be yourself

There are several methods through which you can safeguard yourself when facing domestic violence. 

These include:

1. Recognize the Signs

• Physical abuse, including pushing, slapping, and hitting
• The threatening, insulting, and controlling of another person makes up emotional abuse.
• The abuser uses economic abuse as a method by withholding money from the victim while also restricting their employment prospects.
• The category of sexual abuse includes forced intimacy together with marital rape.

 2. Seek Immediate Help

• Call emergency services: Dial 112 (India’s emergency number).
• Contact the women’s helpline service by dialing 181 to receive free 24/7 support.
• You can receive support from trusted friends and family members.
• Get help by calling the domestic violence helpline in India.

3. Gather Evidence

• Document all communications, along with injury marks, hazardous messages, and threatening phone calls.
• Documentation of every incident with complete date information serves as proof for potential legal proceedings.

4. Secure a Safe Space

• It is crucial to remove yourself from the abusive situation by going to stay with someone whom you trust.
• Contact women’s shelters or NGOs for safe housing.

5. Get Legal Protection

• You can file a complaint by following the requirements of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005.
• You should petition for a protection order that prevents your abuser from coming near you.
• You must seek assistance from a domestic abuse lawyer for proper legal advice.

6. Financial Independence

• It is advisable to open a distinct bank account and keep the necessary emergency funds.
• It is important to learn about national programs that offer assistance to victims of domestic violence.

7. Mental and Emotional Support

• You need emotional healing, which therapists and counselors provide.
• Survivors gain strength by joining groups that let them meet fellow domestic violence survivors while they restore their confidence.

Conclusion

Every year, domestic violence creates severe impacts on thousands of people in India. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, introduces a legal system, yet victims need to understand their rights and explore protective actions to gain independence. A victim of abuse must seek professional help to separate themselves while safeguarding their financial future and finding emotional reassurance during their escape from abuse.

The mission at Advocate Shristhi Rani involves the delivery of legal guidance together with domestic abuse legal support. Individuals who suffer domestic abuse or their supportive friends should immediately contact a lawyer. People will soon be able to achieve safety alongside justice and protection.

People requiring legal help for domestic violence victims should contact Advocate Shristhi Rani now. Advocate Shristhi Rani is the best advocate in Patna civil court.