Domestic violence and coercive control
Violence at home is not limited to hitting. It can be a pattern of fear, surveillance, humiliation, sexual pressure, isolation or control over money, medicine, work and movement.
In this guide
What this can look like
A relationship may be unsafe even when the harmful person apologises, is kind in public or has not used physical violence.
- Monitoring calls, location, clothing, friendships, work, study or visits to family.
- Taking earnings, withholding food or medicine, creating debt, damaging belongings or controlling identity documents.
- Threatening children, relatives, pets, self-harm, eviction, exposure or retaliation to force compliance.
- Pushing, restraining, choking, burning, unwanted sexual acts or interference with contraception.
Why this is harmful
- Control can narrow a woman's choices until ordinary decisions feel dangerous and leaving may increase risk.
- Children who see, hear or live around abuse can be harmed even when they are not directly attacked.
What the law may recognise
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act defines domestic violence to include physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse in covered domestic relationships.
Possible civil protections include protection, residence, monetary, custody, compensation and interim orders; separate criminal offences may also apply to particular acts.
Coverage, evidence, forum and available relief depend on the relationship and facts. A helpline call or complaint does not guarantee an order, arrest, shelter or timeline.
Safer next steps
Choose only what fits the situation. Safety, time, money, disability, family control and device monitoring can change what is possible.
Respond to immediate danger
Move toward a safer exit or populated place if possible and call 112. Do not confront the person if confrontation may increase danger.
Plan around the pattern
Choose one trusted person, a code word, safer transport and a place you could go. Keep the plan somewhere the harmful person cannot access.
Protect essentials only if safe
Consider copies of identity, financial and medical records, medicines, keys and children's essentials. Do not delay urgent escape to collect them.
How to support someone
Her knowledge of the situation matters. Support should expand her choices, not replace one controller with another.
What can help
- Believe her and ask what would feel useful now.
- Offer concrete help such as a safer phone, transport, childcare, document copies or company during a call.
What to avoid
- Do not contact or threaten the person causing harm.
- Do not insist that she leave, report or reconcile on your timetable.
Words you can use
“I believe you. This is not your fault.”
“What would make tonight or the next hour safer?”
What families and institutions must do
Police and justice systems
Police, courts and legal services
- Explain available routes without blame or pressure.
- Protect privacy, accessibility and safety during referral and proceedings.
Health services
Health services
- Treat urgent injury and explain consent and records.
- Screen privately when possible and never make care conditional on family permission.
Get help and practical support
Call 112
For immediate danger, urgent police, fire or medical coordination.
Pan-India emergency service
A call or app request may share your number, voice and location with responders.
Call Women Helpline 181
For information, support and referral concerning violence against women.
The official FAQ currently lists every State and Union Territory except West Bengal; response can vary locally.
Ask what will be recorded or shared before giving details when it is safe to do so.
Call legal-aid helpline 15100
Women and children are listed among people eligible for free legal services.
Eligibility does not guarantee a particular lawyer, remedy or result.
Sources and publication record
- Publication review
- Reviewed and approved by the project team
- Sources checked
- Jurisdiction
- India
- Review record
- Reviewed and approved by the project team. Official statutes and service sources are listed with the relevant content.
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005India Code, Legislative Department
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023India Code, Legislative Department
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023India Code, Legislative Department
- Emergency Response Support System 112Ministry of Home Affairs
- Women Helpline 181Ministry of Women and Child Development
- One Stop Centre schemeMinistry of Women and Child Development
- Free legal services and National Legal Aid Helpline 15100National Legal Services Authority