The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 is a significant legal measure in India to address gender-based violence within domestic relationships. It recognizes that violence against women is not limited to physical assault but can take multiple forms, including sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse. The Act came into force in 2006 and seeks to provide women with effective protection and civil remedies against domestic violence. The relevance of the Act lies first in its broad understanding of domestic violence. It covers physical abuse such as beating and causing bodily injury, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, and economic abuse involving deprivation of financial resources, property, maintenance or household necessities. This comprehensive definition is important because violence within families often remains hidden and may not always involve visible physical injuries. The Act also recognizes the importance of the domestic relationship and the shared household. A woman can seek protection when violence is committed by a husband, male partner, or other relatives in a domestic relationship. The concept of the “shared household” is particularly important because women may face threats of eviction or homelessness when they complain about abuse. The