1. Introduction: The Urgency of Ending Domestic Violence
In homes across India, in bustling cities and quiet villages, a silent yet devastating crisis persists. It is a crisis that unfolds behind closed doors, violating the most fundamental human rights and shattering lives, families, and communities. According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), a staggering 31.2% of ever-married women aged 18-49 have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional spousal violence. This means nearly one in three women in India lives with the reality of abuse, often in the very place they should feel safest.

Each number represents a woman whose life has been irrevocably altered by patriarchal norms, economic dependency, and a pervasive culture of silence. These women don’t just face immediate physical dangers—they endure deep psychological trauma, social isolation, and the agonizing loss of their fundamental right to live with dignity and without fear. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) further highlights the scale of the problem, with “Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives” consistently being the most reported crime against women, numbering over 140,000 cases annually. This is not a private matter; it is a national emergency.

The government has acknowledged this crisis through powerful legislation, yet the gap between law and enforcement remains a vast chasm. As per official data from May 2025, domestic violence remains the top category of complaints received by the National Commission for Women (NCW), a stark reminder of the relentless nature of this issue. The impact extends beyond the immediate victim, traumatizing children who witness the abuse, perpetuating vicious cycles of violence, and imposing significant costs on society through healthcare, legal expenses, and lost productivity.

At BRAC, we know that ending domestic violence requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses prevention, survivor rescue and rehabilitation, family economic support, and profound systemic change. Our work goes beyond immediate crisis intervention to facilitate the long-term transformation of the social, economic, and cultural factors that allow violence to thrive. We believe every woman deserves not just freedom from fear, but also quality healthcare, economic independence, and the chance to lead a life of her own choosing.

Your support can make a real difference. Every donation to BRAC directly funds life-changing programs for survivors and comprehensive prevention efforts that can stop violence before it happens. Together, we can build an India where every home is a safe space.

2. Understanding the Issue: Scope and Impact in India
Domestic violence is a pervasive and complex issue with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and society at large. Understanding its scope requires examining its different forms, the scale of its prevalence, the factors that drive it, and its wide-ranging impact.

Forms and Definitions of Domestic Violence
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA), provides a broad and inclusive definition under Section 3, recognizing it as a pattern of abusive behavior that includes:

  • Physical Abuse: Acts causing bodily pain, harm, or danger to life, such as slapping, hitting, kicking, burning, and beating.
  • Sexual Abuse: Any conduct of a sexual nature that abuses, humiliates, or degrades, including marital rape (while not a standalone criminal offense, it is recognized under civil law), forced pregnancy, and other sexual assaults.
  • Verbal and Emotional Abuse: Insults, humiliation, ridicule, repeated threats of harm, and any other conduct that causes mental torture or emotional distress.
  • Economic Abuse: Depriving the victim of financial resources she is entitled to, restricting her access to shared assets, non-payment of maintenance, and preventing her from securing employment.

Scale and Prevalence in India

  • National Prevalence: As per NFHS-5, 31.2% of married women (18-49 years) have experienced spousal violence in their lifetime.
  • Under-reporting: This is a critical challenge. Official statistics are just the tip of the iceberg, as only 14% of women who have experienced physical or sexual violence ever seek help, often due to fear, stigma, and a lack of faith in the system.
  • Criminal Cases: The latest NCRB data shows over 140,000 cases are filed annually under laws related to “Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives,” making it the single most frequent crime against women in India.
  • State-Level Disparities: The problem is acute across the country, with 13 states reporting crime rates against women higher than the national average. Delhi, Haryana, and Telangana are among the highest. Prevalence of spousal violence is alarmingly high in states like Karnataka (47.3%), Bihar (43.1%), and Telangana (42.5%).

Socio-Economic and Cultural Driving Factors

  • Deep-Rooted Patriarchy: Societal norms that grant men control over women and view women as property are the primary drivers of domestic violence.
  • Economic Dependency: A woman’s lack of economic independence and control over assets makes her more vulnerable to abuse and less able to leave an abusive relationship.
  • Low Educational Attainment: Women with no schooling are significantly more likely to experience domestic violence compared to those with higher education, as education empowers women with awareness and options.
  • Alcohol and Substance Abuse: Alcohol consumption by the husband is a major triggering factor associated with higher rates and greater severity of spousal violence.
  • Dowry Demands: Harassment for dowry remains a significant cause of cruelty and violence, often escalating over time.

Impact on All Stakeholders

  • Survivors: The consequences for survivors are devastating and long-lasting. They suffer from physical injuries (broken bones, burns, chronic pain), severe mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and social isolation from family and friends.
  • Children: Children who witness domestic violence are the hidden victims. They are at a significantly higher risk of developing emotional and behavioral problems, performing poorly in school, and are more likely to either perpetrate or experience violence in their own adult lives, thus perpetuating the cycle.
  • Society and the Economy: Domestic violence places a heavy burden on public services, including the healthcare system, the police, and the judiciary. It also leads to immense economic losses for the nation due to reduced productivity, absenteeism from work, and the costs of long-term care for survivors.

Your donation to BRAC helps address every part of this complex crisis—from rescuing survivors from violent homes to providing them with the legal, economic, and psychological support needed to rebuild their lives, and working with communities to make domestic violence socially unacceptable.

3. Legal Framework: Laws and Policies in India
India has a robust and unique dual legal framework to combat domestic violence, offering both immediate civil remedies under a specialized act and punitive criminal penalties under its new penal code.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON INDIAN CRIMINAL LAW (AS OF 2025):
On July 1, 2024, India implemented a new set of criminal laws. All criminal legal references in this article are based on these current laws:

  • The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
  • The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
  • The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023, which replaces the Indian Evidence Act.
    All references to the old IPC and CrPC are obsolete for current legal matters.

Primary Civil Legislation: The PWDVA
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) is the cornerstone of civil law protection. It is designed to provide immediate and effective relief to survivors without necessarily initiating criminal proceedings.

  • Broad Definition (Section 3): Its definition is wide, covering not just physical but also sexual, verbal, emotional, and economic abuse.
  • Right to Residence (Section 17): Critically, it guarantees a woman’s right to live in the marital or “shared household,” preventing her from being rendered homeless.
  • Protection Orders (Section 18): Courts can quickly issue orders to stop the abuser from committing further violence, entering the survivor’s workplace, or communicating with her.
  • Monetary Relief (Section 20): A magistrate can order the abuser to pay for medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other damages caused by the violence.
  • Custody Orders (Section 21): The court can grant temporary custody of children to the survivor.
  • Penalty for Breach (Section 31): To give it teeth, the act makes the breach of a protection order a cognizable and non-bailable criminal offense, punishable with imprisonment.

Primary Criminal Legislation: The BNS
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 provides for the criminal prosecution and punishment of perpetrators.

  • Section 85 – Cruelty: This section, which replaces the old and infamous IPC Section 498A, specifically criminalizes cruelty by a husband or his relatives. It defines “cruelty” as any willful conduct likely to drive the woman to suicide or cause grave injury, as well as harassment for dowry. The punishment is imprisonment for up to three years and a fine.
  • Section 80 – Dowry Death: Replacing the old IPC Section 304B, this section deals with cases where a woman dies under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage due to dowry-related harassment. It carries a heavy penalty of a minimum of seven years imprisonment, which may be extended to life imprisonment.
  • Chapter VI (Sections 115-124) – Offences Affecting the Human Body: This chapter of the BNS criminalizes general acts of physical violence like assault, grievous hurt, etc., which are often present in domestic abuse cases and can be used to prosecute the abuser for the physical harm caused.

Maintenance Laws

  • Section 144 – Maintenance (BNSS, 2023): This crucial provision in the new procedural code replaces the old Section 125 of the CrPC. It empowers a Judicial Magistrate to order any person with sufficient means to pay a monthly allowance for the maintenance of their wife, children, or parents who are unable to maintain themselves. This is a vital tool for ensuring the economic survival of survivors.

Institutional Framework

  • National Commission for Women (NCW): A statutory body that investigates complaints, conducts inquiries, and makes policy recommendations to the government on women’s issues.
  • Protection Officers (POs) & Service Providers: The PWDVA mandates the appointment of government-employed POs in every district to assist victims with filing applications and coordinating services. It also recognizes NGOs as “Service Providers” that can offer shelter, counseling, and legal aid.
  • One-Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres) & Women Helplines (181/112): Government-run initiatives providing a single window for integrated medical, legal, and psychological support to survivors of all forms of violence.

Donate to BRAC to fund our legal aid clinics that help survivors understand and utilize these powerful laws. Your support enables our lawyers and paralegals to navigate the court system, secure protection orders and maintenance for survivors, and ensure that the legal framework translates into real-world safety and justice.

4. Challenges: Barriers to Progress in India
Despite a strong legal framework on paper, significant challenges on the ground hinder the effective prevention of and response to domestic violence, trapping millions of women and children in cycles of abuse.

Social and Cultural Barriers

  • Normalization of Violence: The most formidable barrier is the deep-rooted patriarchal attitude that normalizes violence against women and treats domestic abuse as a “private family matter.” This creates a powerful culture of silence and impunity for abusers.
  • Stigma and Victim-Blaming: Survivors who dare to speak out often face intense social stigma, character assassination, and are blamed for the abuse, discouraging them and others from seeking help.
  • Pressure to “Adjust”: Families and communities often pressure women to “adjust” or “compromise” to keep the family together, prioritizing family honor over the woman’s safety and well-being.

Institutional Weaknesses

  • Inadequate Implementation of PWDVA: A critical failure is the weak implementation of the PWDVA. There is a severe shortage of adequately trained and resourced Protection Officers, and many states have failed to fully fund the act’s provisions, leaving survivors without the intended support system.
  • Police Insensitivity and Apathy: Survivors approaching the police are frequently met with apathy, disbelief, and outright hostility. Many officers lack gender sensitization training and often attempt to mediate or send the woman back to her abusive home rather than registering a complaint.
  • Overburdened and Delayed Judiciary: The legal process is often excruciatingly lengthy and expensive. This not only causes further trauma and hardship for survivors but also allows perpetrators to continue their abuse with impunity while the case languishes in the system.

Economic and Health System Gaps

  • Crippling Economic Dependency: Financial dependence on the abuser and his family is a major barrier that prevents women from leaving abusive relationships and starting a new, independent life.
  • Critical Shortage of Shelter Homes: There is a dire shortage of safe, clean, and supportive shelter homes for women and their children fleeing violence. Existing shelters are often overcrowded and under-resourced.
  • Health System Blind Spots: Healthcare providers are often the first, and sometimes only, professionals a survivor interacts with. However, most doctors and nurses lack the training to identify the signs of domestic violence, offer first-line support, and refer cases to appropriate services.

Your contribution to BRAC helps overcome these systemic challenges. We fund direct support for survivors to break free from economic dependency, train police and judicial officers to be more responsive, and build a robust network of community-based support systems that bridge the enormous gap between law and lived reality.

5. Solutions: Building a Safer India
BRAC Global Social Foundation implements a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy called the “Five Pillars of Protection” to combat domestic violence at its roots and provide holistic support to empower survivors.

Pillar 1: Prevention and Community Mobilization

  • Community Education: We conduct intensive workshops in villages and urban slums to challenge and dismantle patriarchal norms. We engage men and boys, community leaders, and religious figures to foster a culture of gender equality and raise awareness about the legal consequences of domestic violence.
  • School-Based Programs: Through our “Gender Quality and Me” curriculum, we engage with adolescents in schools to instill values of respect, consent, and non-violence from a young age, aiming to break intergenerational cycles of abuse before they begin.

Pillar 2: Protection and Emergency Response

  • 24/7 Helpline & Rapid Response Teams: Our national helpline (accessible via brac.in) provides immediate, confidential crisis counseling. It is linked to Rapid Response Teams that can coordinate with local police to rescue survivors from situations of imminent danger.
  • Emergency Shelters (“Nari Kendras”): We run a network of safe homes that provide immediate and secure shelter, nutritious food, clothing, and urgent medical care for women and their children who are fleeing violence.

Pillar 3: Legal Aid and Access to Justice

  • Free and Comprehensive Legal Services: Our dedicated team of in-house lawyers and community paralegals provides free legal counseling. We assist survivors in filing police complaints, navigating the medico-legal process, filing Domestic Incident Reports (DIRs), and representing them in court to secure Protection Orders, Residence Orders, and Maintenance.
  • Institutional Strengthening and Training: We partner with local governments and police academies to train police officers, Protection Officers, and members of the lower judiciary, equipping them with the skills and sensitivity needed to provide an effective and empathetic response to survivors.

Pillar 4: Economic Empowerment and Holistic Rehabilitation

  • Demand-Driven Skills Training: We provide high-quality vocational training in locally relevant trades such as advanced tailoring, computer and IT skills, beauty and wellness services, and food processing, empowering survivors to gain financial independence.
  • Microfinance and Livelihood Support: We offer small, low-interest loans and business development support for survivors to start their own enterprises, providing a sustainable pathway out of economic dependency.
  • Long-Term Psychological Counseling: Our trained counselors provide individual and group therapy to help survivors and their children heal from the deep trauma of abuse and rebuild their self-esteem and confidence.

Pillar 5: Research, Data, and Policy Advocacy

  • Data-Driven Advocacy for Systemic Change: We meticulously collect and analyze data from our programs to identify systemic gaps in policy and implementation. We use this evidence to advocate with state and national governments for better implementation of the PWDVA, increased budgetary allocations for survivor support services, and policy reforms that address the root causes of violence.

Donate to BRAC to fund these comprehensive solutions that address survivors’ immediate safety needs while building long-term pathways to independence, justice, and dignity. Every contribution directly impacts our ability to provide shelter, legal aid, and economic opportunities that transform lives and communities.

6. Societal Impact: A Stronger, More Just India
Ending domestic violence is not just about protecting individuals; it is about building a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous nation. The positive impacts create a ripple effect that transforms the very fabric of our society.

  • Individual Empowerment and the Restoration of Dignity: When women live free from fear and violence, they can reclaim their lives and achieve their full potential. It restores their fundamental constitutional right to a life of dignity, enabling them to contribute their unique talents and skills to their families and communities.
  • Healthier Children and Breaking Intergenerational Cycles: Children raised in violence-free homes have demonstrably better mental and physical health outcomes, perform better in school, and are far less likely to become victims or perpetrators of violence themselves. Protecting a mother is one of the most effective ways to protect a child and break the vicious intergenerational cycle of abuse.
  • Tangible Economic Prosperity: Reducing domestic violence is smart economics. It boosts national economic productivity by significantly decreasing healthcare costs associated with treating injuries, reducing work absenteeism among both survivors and perpetrators, and unlocking the full economic potential of half the population. Empowered, economically active women are key drivers of GDP growth.
  • A Stronger, More Equitable, and Just Democracy: A society that protects its most vulnerable members and ensures that justice prevails, especially behind closed doors, is a more stable, equitable, and democratic society. Upholding the rights of women is a direct reflection of a nation’s commitment to its constitutional values of equality, liberty, and justice for all.

Your donation to BRAC contributes to this comprehensive transformation, building an India where women can live with dignity and safety, where families thrive without violence, and where gender equality strengthens communities and drives sustainable development for all citizens.

7. Call to Action: Support BRAC’s Mission in India
The elimination of domestic violence requires sustained commitment, resources, and collaborative action from every segment of society. BRAC Global Social Foundation has demonstrated through its evidence-based, holistic programs that it is possible to rescue survivors from exploitation, empower them to rebuild their lives, and create lasting change. However, our impact depends entirely on the generosity, engagement, and advocacy of supporters who share our vision of an India where every woman is free to live a life of safety, dignity, and independence.

Why Your Support Matters Now

Critical Moment and Opportunity:

  • Policy Momentum: Sustained public discourse and government focus on women’s safety creates a crucial opportunity to strengthen interventions, demand better implementation of laws, and scale up successful programs.
  • Proven Impact: BRAC’s track record and data-driven approach demonstrate that well-designed investments in survivor support generate measurable, sustainable returns for individuals and society.
  • Scaling Potential: With adequate resources, successful grassroots interventions can be scaled to reach millions more women and families across India’s most vulnerable districts.

Urgent Need for Action:

  • Economic Pressures: Ongoing economic instability, inflation, and unemployment increase tensions within families and can exacerbate the frequency and severity of violence.
  • Post-Pandemic Effects: The long-term mental health and economic effects of the pandemic continue to place women at a heightened risk, making robust support systems more critical than ever.

Ways to Support BRAC’s Mission

Financial Contributions

One-Time Impact Donations:

  • ₹2,500: Provides one week of emergency shelter, food, and medical care for a survivor and her children.
  • ₹7,500: Funds complete legal aid for one survivor to secure a protection order and crucial maintenance.
  • ₹20,000: Covers comprehensive vocational skills training and livelihood support for one survivor to achieve full economic independence.
  • ₹50,000: Establishes a community-wide prevention and awareness program in a high-risk village, reaching hundreds of families.

Monthly Sustaining Support:

  • ₹500/month: Supports ongoing psychological counseling for a survivor and her children to heal from trauma.
  • ₹2,000/month: Funds a family empowerment program, helping women in a self-help group develop alternative livelihoods.
  • ₹5,000/month: Maintains a community prevention and awareness program in one high-risk village year-round.

Volunteer and Engagement Opportunities

Direct Service Participation:

  • Community Outreach: Join local awareness campaigns to build understanding of women’s rights under the PWDVA.
  • Support Services: Assist at our shelter homes or with administrative tasks that keep our programs running.

Professional Skills Volunteering:

  • Legal Services: If you are a lawyer, provide pro-bono legal consultations and aid for survivors.
  • Healthcare Support: If you are a medical or mental health professional, offer your services at our centers.

Advocacy and Awareness Building:

  • Social Media: Share BRAC’s stories and educational content about domestic violence through your social media platforms.
  • Community Education: Organize awareness sessions in your neighborhood, workplace, or college to challenge myths and stigma.

Transparency and Accountability

Financial Transparency:

  • 85% Program Allocation: We guarantee that 85% of all donations directly fund our programs, with only 15% allocated for essential administration and fundraising costs.
  • Detailed Reporting: Our comprehensive annual reports, detailing program outcomes and financial management, are available at brac.in/reports.

Impact Measurement:

  • Outcome Tracking: We systematically monitor key indicators of success, including survivors’ safety, economic stability, and mental well-being.
  • Beneficiary Feedback: We actively seek direct feedback from survivors to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of our services.

Tax Benefits and Recognition

  • Section 80G Deduction: As a registered Indian NGO, all donations to BRAC qualify for tax deductions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
  • Certificate Processing: We provide tax exemption certificates within 7 working days for all donations above ₹500.

How to Get Started Today

  • Visit us at www.brac.in/donate-now to make your first secure online contribution.
  • Call us at [+91 7977386674] to discuss volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved.
  • Email us at partner@brac.in / info@brac.in for information about corporate partnerships and major gift opportunities.
  • Follow BRAC on social media for regular updates and share our content to build awareness.

Your action today—whether through a donation, volunteering your time, or advocating for change—creates an immediate impact while building long-term, systemic change. Join BRAC’s mission and become part of the movement transforming women’s lives and building a safer, more just India.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Domestic Violence and Its Prevalence

  • Q: What is the current situation of domestic violence in India?
    A: Domestic violence remains a severe crisis, with 31.2% of women aged 18-49 experiencing abuse according to NFHS-5 data. The latest NCRB report shows cruelty by husband or his relatives is the most frequent crime against women, with over 140,000 reported cases.
  • Q: What constitutes domestic violence under Indian law?
    A: The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) defines domestic violence broadly to include physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and economic abuse.
  • Q: Which states are most affected by domestic violence?
    A: While it is a nationwide problem, NFHS-5 data shows states like Karnataka (47.3%) and Bihar (43.1%) have the highest prevalence of spousal violence.

About Legal Protections and Remedies

  • Q: What are the main laws protecting women from domestic violence?
    A: The two key laws are the PWDVA, 2005, which provides civil remedies like protection orders and residence rights, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, particularly Section 85, which criminalizes cruelty by a husband or his relatives with imprisonment up to three years.
  • Q: How can women report domestic violence and get help?
    A: Survivors can call the nationwide women’s helpline (112 or 181), report to the local police, approach district Protection Officers, visit government-run One-Stop Centers, or seek assistance from trusted NGOs like BRAC.

About BRAC’s Domestic Violence Work

  • Q: How does BRAC help domestic violence survivors?
    A: BRAC uses an integrated “Five Pillars” approach that includes prevention through community education, emergency protection via shelters and helplines, comprehensive legal aid, economic empowerment through skills training and microfinance, and policy advocacy for systemic change.
  • Q: Does BRAC provide support for children affected by domestic violence?
    A: Yes, supporting children is a core part of our work. BRAC’s programs include dedicated support for children affected by domestic violence, such as safe childcare at our shelters, educational support to prevent dropouts, and specialized counseling to help them heal from trauma.

About Supporting BRAC’s Work

  • Q: How are donations used for domestic violence programs?
    A: We guarantee that 85% of all donations directly fund our programs, such as running emergency shelters, providing free legal aid, conducting skills training for economic independence, and carrying out community prevention campaigns. Only 15% is used for administrative costs.
  • Q: Are donations to BRAC’s domestic violence work tax-deductible?
    A: Yes, BRAC is a registered Indian NGO under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, so all donations are tax-deductible. We provide a certificate for all contributions above ₹500.

Your questions and engagement help us improve our services and reach more women and families affected by violence. For additional information or immediate support, contact BRAC directly through our 24/7 helpline or our website. Remember, your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy—directly contributes to ending domestic violence and building an India where every woman can live with safety, dignity, and freedom.

Disclaimer
This article provides information on stopping domestic violence in India and BRAC’s comprehensive prevention and support strategies. BRAC is a registered Indian NGO, distinct from other international organizations with similar names. Laws may vary across states and are subject to change—readers should seek qualified legal advice for specific cases. The figures presented are based on BRAC’s research-driven proposals and illustrative projections. They do not represent outcomes of current or ongoing programs. These numbers are intended to demonstrate the scale of impact that could be achieved if the proposed initiatives are fully funded and implemented. Actual results may differ depending on available resources, external conditions, and program execution. With your donation, these projections can move from vision to reality. Donate now by visiting our Donate Now page and choosing the cause that matters most to you.

BRAC® and Bureau of Randomly Active Committee® are registered trademarks of BRAC Global Social Foundation (2015–2035) under the Indian Trade Marks Act, 1999. Unauthorized use will result in legal action. Report: legal@brac.in