❓ Question 11: What is meant by “sexual abuse” under the DV Act?

👉 Answer: “Sexual abuse” includes conduct of a sexual nature that abuses, humiliates, or otherwise violates the dignity of a woman.

❓ Question 12: What is meant by “verbal and emotional abuse” under the DV Act?

👉 Answer: It includes:

• Insults, ridicule, humiliation, and name-calling, especially regarding not having a child or a male child
• Repeated threats to cause physical pain to any person in whom the aggrieved person is interested

❓ Question 13: What is meant by “economic abuse” under the DV Act?

👉 Answer: Economic abuse includes:

• Deprivation of economic or financial resources which the aggrieved person requires or is entitled to (including household necessities, stridhan, jointly or separately owned property, and maintenance)
• Disposal of household effects
• Alienation of assets, valuables, shares, stridhan, or any other property jointly or separately held by the aggrieved person

❓ Question 14: Can any unrelated person provide information about an act of domestic violence?

👉 Answer: Yes. Any person who has reason to believe that an act of domestic violence has been committed or is likely to be committed may give information to the concerned Protection Officer.

❓ Question 15: What are the duties of officials upon receiving a complaint of domestic violence?

👉 Answer: Under Section 5 of the DV Act, police officers, Protection Officers, service providers, or Magistrates must inform the aggrieved woman about:

• Right to seek protection, residence, monetary, custody, and compensation orders
• Availability of service providers and Protection Officers
• Right to free legal services
• Right to file a complaint under Section 498A IPC, wherever relevant

❓ Question 16: What are the duties and functions of Protection Officers?

👉 Answer: Protection Officers must:

• Assist the Magistrate in discharging functions
• Prepare a Domestic Incident Report (DIR)
• Apply for issuance of protection orders
• Ensure legal aid, safe shelter homes, and medical examination for victims
• Oversee compliance of monetary relief under Section 20

❓ Question 17: Who is a service provider under the DV Act?

👉 Answer: Any voluntary association or company registered with the State Government that aims to protect women’s rights by lawful means. They may provide legal, medical, financial, or other assistance.

❓ Question 18: Who can file an application to a Magistrate under the DV Act?

👉 Answer: An application may be filed by the aggrieved woman, a Protection Officer, or any other person on her behalf.

❓ Question 19: Within what time should a Magistrate dispose of an application?

👉 Answer: The Magistrate shall endeavor to dispose of every such application within 60 days from the date of its first hearing.

❓ Question 20: When can proceedings be conducted in camera?

👉 Answer: When the Magistrate considers it necessary, or if either party requests, proceedings may be conducted in camera for confidentiality and sensitivity.

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