Women's Safety
Laws protecting women from domestic violence, harassment, dowry, stalking, and ensuring equal rights.
Know Your Rights
In Simple Words
If you are being abused by your husband, in-laws, or any family member — whether it is hitting, threatening, controlling your money, or emotional torture — you are protected under the law. You can get a protection order from the court to stop the abuse, right to live in the shared household, monetary relief, and custody of children. You do not have to leave your home.
Relevant Law
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 - Section 3 — Definition of Domestic Violence, Section 18-23 — Reliefs
In Simple Words
If your in-laws or husband demand dowry (money, property, gifts) before, during, or after marriage, it is a crime. You can file a police complaint. If a woman dies within 7 years of marriage under suspicious circumstances and there is evidence of dowry harassment, it is treated as dowry death. Any cruelty by husband or in-laws related to dowry demands is separately punishable.
Relevant Law
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 - Section 3-4 of Dowry Prohibition Act / Section 80 and Section 86 of BNS, 2023
In Simple Words
Any unwelcome sexual behaviour at your workplace — physical touching, sexual remarks, showing pornography, requests for sexual favours, or any sexually suggestive behaviour — is a crime. Every workplace with 10 or more employees must have an Internal Complaints Committee. Your identity will be protected, and your employer cannot retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Relevant Law
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 - Section 2(n) — Definition, Section 3 — Prevention, Section 9 — Complaint
In Simple Words
If someone is repeatedly following you, watching your movements, trying to contact you despite your clear refusal, monitoring your internet or phone activity, or loitering near your home or workplace — it is stalking and it is a crime. You can file an FIR and the stalker can be arrested.
Relevant Law
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 - Section 78 — Stalking
In Simple Words
Acid attacks are one of the most serious crimes. If you or someone you know has been attacked with acid or any corrosive substance, the victim is entitled to free first-aid and medical treatment at any hospital (private or government), compensation of at least ₹3 lakh (which can go up to ₹8 lakh from the state), and the attacker faces severe imprisonment. The sale of acid is also regulated.
Relevant Law
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 - Section 124 — Acid Attack
In Simple Words
Any sexual intercourse without consent is rape. This includes situations where consent was obtained through fear, intoxication, or deception. A woman victim can file an FIR at any police station, and her statement must be recorded by a woman police officer. The victim has the right to free medical examination, legal aid, and her identity must be kept confidential.
Relevant Law
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 - Section 63 to Section 69 — Sexual Offences
In Simple Words
If you are a married woman who is unable to maintain yourself, or if you are divorced, you have the right to claim maintenance (financial support) from your husband. This applies even while the marriage is continuing and you are living separately due to cruelty, desertion, or other valid reasons. The court decides the amount based on the husband's income and your needs.
Relevant Law
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 / Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 / Special Marriage Act, 1954 - Section 144 of BNSS, 2023 (replaces Section 125 CrPC)
In Simple Words
As a working woman, you are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave (for first two children). Your employer cannot fire you during pregnancy or maternity leave. You are entitled to medical bonus of ₹3,500, nursing breaks of 15 minutes twice a day until the child is 15 months old, and work-from-home options if the nature of work permits. Establishments with 50+ employees must have a crèche facility.
Relevant Law
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (amended 2017) - Section 5, Section 5A, Section 11A
In Simple Words
Hindu women have equal coparcenary rights in ancestral property since the 2005 amendment to the Hindu Succession Act. This means daughters have the same rights as sons in the father's property — including the right to demand partition. Muslim women's inheritance is governed by Muslim Personal Law. All women have the right to hold, acquire, and dispose of property in their own name.
Relevant Law
Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (amended 2005) - Section 6 (as amended)
In Simple Words
If someone is harassing you online — sending abusive messages, threatening you, morphing your photos, sharing your private pictures without consent, creating fake profiles in your name, or stalking you on social media — it is a crime. You can file a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell, and the offender can be arrested. Your identity as a victim will be kept confidential.
Relevant Law
Information Technology Act, 2000 / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 - Section 67/67A of IT Act, Section 78 and Section 79 of BNS, 2023
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