Violence or cruelty at home (for women)

A plain language guide. Follow the steps in order.

All guides / Family, women and work

General information, not legal advice. This guide explains the usual steps in plain words. Every case has its own facts, and the law and the rules change. For a serious matter, speak to a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, you may get one free: call 15100. Last checked November 2026.

Two routes that can run together: a civil order for protection and a home, and a criminal case for cruelty.

What to do, step by step

If you are in danger now, call 112 or the Women Helpline 181. Go to a safe place, such as a relative, a friend or a shelter home. The helpline can tell you where.
Get medical treatment if you are hurt, and ask the doctor to write down the injuries. Keep the records.
Contact the Protection Officer of your district (181 can give you the number). The officer writes a Domestic Incident Report and helps you apply to the Magistrate. There is no court fee.
The Magistrate can order: protection from further violence, your right to stay in the shared house, monthly money, custody of children and compensation.
Separately you can file a criminal complaint (FIR) for cruelty by the husband or his relatives. Go to the nearest police station or the women's police station.
Both can be pursued at the same time. The first is for protection and money. The second is for punishment.

Where to go

Women Helpline 181
Protection Officer, District Women and Child Development office
Magistrate's court
Police station or women's police station
One Stop Centre (Sakhi) in your district

What to carry

Your ID and marriage proof if you have it
Medical records, photos of injuries
Messages, call records, dowry demands
Names of people who saw or know

Time limits

Act early. There is no strict limit for the civil application, but evidence fades.
The Magistrate is expected to hear the first application within 3 days and try to decide within 60 days.

What the law says

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005: applications under section 12, protection order 18, residence order 19, monetary relief 20, custody 21, compensation 22
BNS section 85: husband or relative subjecting a woman to cruelty. Up to 3 years and a fine [old IPC 498A]
BNS section 86: what counts as cruelty [old IPC 498A explanation]

If it does not work

If the police do not register the FIR, follow the steps on the FIR page: SP, then Magistrate.
Contact the National Commission for Women helpline 7827170170.

Free help

Every woman can get a free lawyer, whatever her income. Call 15100 or ask the DLSA. 181 is the Women Helpline.

Sources

Maintenance for wife, children or parents Sexual harassment at work (for women)

Section numbers are from the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other Acts, with the old number in square brackets. For events before 1 July 2024 the old law (CrPC, IPC) applies. Spotted a mistake? Corrections are welcome.