Protection Orders and Residence Rights: How the Domestic Violence Act Helps Women Stay Safe and Secure
Domestic violence shatters lives, but the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) empowers women in India to reclaim safety and security in their homes. Enacted to provide immediate civil remedies, the Act recognizes that every woman in a domestic relationship—be it marriage, live-in partnership, or family—has the right to a violence-free environment. Two of its most powerful tools are protection orders (Section 18) and residence orders (Section 19), which help victims stop abuse, stay in their shared household, and rebuild stability. These provisions address common fears: eviction threats, continued harassment, or forced separation from home and children. Courts can issue swift interim or ex-parte orders based on prima facie evidence, often without lengthy delays. In 2026, with growing awareness and judicial emphasis on enforcement, these orders remain vital for women's empowerment under Indian law. What Are Protection Orders? (Section 18 of PWDVA) A prote...
