Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) — often called domestic violence — is physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or coercive harm from a current or former partner. It affects roughly 1 in 3 women globally, and Indian surveys show similar or higher rates. It has nothing to do with what you did or did not do. It is not your fault.

Forms IPV can take

• Physical — hitting, slapping, pushing, choking, using objects/weapons.
• Sexual — forced or coerced sexual acts, marital rape.
• Emotional / psychological — insults, humiliation, threats, controlling behaviour, isolation from family and friends, constant criticism, gaslighting.
• Economic — restricting access to money, refusing to let you work, controlling spending.
• Reproductive coercion — pressure around pregnancy, abortion, or contraception.
• Digital — tracking, monitoring messages, non-consensual sharing of photos.

Red flags in a relationship

• You feel scared of your partner.
• You are becoming isolated from family and friends.
• You are walking on eggshells around them.
• You are hiding injuries or the truth of what is happening at home.
• Children are witnessing fear or violence.

Immediate safety — dial 112

• In immediate danger — dial 112.
• Women's Helpline — 181 (24-hour; many states).
• Childline — 1098 if children are involved.
• Sakhi One-Stop Centres — present in all districts; provide medical, legal, psychological, temporary shelter support to women facing any form of violence.

Your legal rights

• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides civil remedies — protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, custody of children — independent of any criminal case.
• Indian Penal Code Section 498A covers cruelty by husband or his family.
• You do not have to "leave the home" to access these rights — many women can stay in the shared household with a protection order.
• Legal aid is free for women under many state schemes; DLSA (District Legal Services Authority) provides free counsel.

A safety plan — if you are thinking about leaving

• Keep important documents (ID, bank, children's) in an accessible safe place.
• Identify trusted family, friends, or a shelter.
• Save emergency numbers privately; know escape routes from home.
• If possible, save money separately.
• Talk to a Sakhi/Women's Helpline counsellor — they can plan next steps confidentially.

For Health Experts

Injuries with inconsistent histories, repeated presentations with vague symptoms, depression/anxiety, chronic pain, reproductive issues, or a controlling accompanying partner should prompt a private, compassionate enquiry about safety at home. Universal screening is increasingly recommended.

Leaving — or staying while protected — is a personal decision, and a process, not a single event. Support makes the process safer.