Beyond Protection: Balancing Victims' Rights and Misuse under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

Domestic violence is a violation of rights that happens inside the home in India. There is a set of laws that were created to protect women. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was created to protect women from sexual, verbal and emotional violence that happens inside the home. Even though this law has made the protection for women stronger some judges and experts have also shown worries about how this law is used in some marriage-related problems. also many real cases are not told about because of shame, money problems, ideas that men are in charge fear of being hurt and not enough help from the system. This paper looks closely at these two problems that are connected. The study uses a mix of personal research methods based on rules in the constitution, laws, court decisions and books and also includes observations the author made in court. The paper also shows how laws that focus on protecting women have changed over time looks at how courts deal with claims that the law is used wrong and looks at the legal problems that stop victims from talking about domestic violence. It says that even though there are some cases where the law is used wrong the real cases should not be ignored. More attention should be given to making sure investigations are better improving how the system works making sure rules are followed and helping people know their rights. The paper ends by saying that a fair way is needed to keep the law system strong protect the rights of victims keep people safe from wrong claims and make it easier, for everyone who is affected to get help.