Domestic Violence Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any personal relationship that allows one partner to intimidate, or to gain power and control over the other. It can occur between married spouses or in other intimate relationships, but actually refers to any family relationship, or persons living in the same home.The abuse can take many forms, including physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and economic abuse. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and Section 498-A of the Penal Code are two major legislations in India that address domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Act primarily protects wives or female live-in partners from domestic violence at the hands of the husband or male live-in partner including his relatives. The reliefs provided by the Domestic Violence Act include shelter, medical facilities, protection order, compensation order. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it is important to seek help from a trusted source such as a friend, family member, or a professional organization that specializes in domestic violence.