Living in a women’s shelter and need protection
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- Where are you living now? Shelter or elsewhere
Where you stand
- Next step A Protection Officer or the police can help file under the Domestic Violence Act — you can ask for protection, residence and money orders.
Do these now
- A private written record of incidents — dates, what happened, who saw it
Courts look at incidents over time. Notes made close to the time help. Where: Write it yourself.
Papers to gather
- Proof you lived in the shared home (ID with address, letters, photos, ration card)
Supports a residence order. Where: Your documents. - Marriage certificate or other proof of marriage/relationship
The Act applies to relationships in a shared household. Where: Your records. - Your income and expenses, and their income if you know it
Court can order maintenance and medical/ loss expenses. Where: Bank statements, bills.
You may also need, depending on your answers
- Medical records, prescriptions and injury photos — Independent proof of injuries.
- Threatening messages, voice notes or emails — Shows threats in their own words.
- Copies of earlier complaints (police, helpline, Protection Officer, Domestic Incident Report) — Shows the abuse was reported.
- List and photos of your jewellery, gifts and belongings held by them — Court can order their return.
- Children's birth certificates, school records — Needed for a custody order.
- Your ID, bank card, phone and important documents — kept with you or a trusted person — Makes it possible to leave safely if needed.
What the law says
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 lets a Magistrate grant protection, residence, money, custody and compensation orders. Protection Officers and legal aid can help you file.
General information, not legal advice.
Saboot will also ask
- First: are you safe right now?
- Who is causing the harm?
- What has happened?
- Are children affected?
Similar situations
- Husband beats me
- In-laws taunting and torturing me
- Thrown out of my marital home
- Husband controls all money and gives nothing
- Parents or siblings abusing me at home
- Grown son or daughter abusing elderly parents
- Husband forces himself on me
Sources
The full guide: Violence, abuse or threats at home · All situations