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Providing Support To Survivors Of Domestic Violence By Vibhuti Patel, Professor Vibhuti Patel

Professor Vibhuti Patel

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2006 Historical Background • In 1983, domestic violence was recognised as a specific criminal offence by the introduction of section 498-A into the Indian Penal Code. This section deals with cruelty by a husband or his family towards a married woman. Four types of cruelty are dealt with by this law: • conduct that is likely to drive a woman to suicide, • conduct which is likely to cause grave injury to the life, limb or health of the woman, • harassment with the purpose of forcing the woman or her relatives to …