The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, notified by the Central Government, came into effect from 26 October 2006. It is basically meant to provide protection to a wife or female live-in partner from violence at the hands of the husband or a male live-in-partner or his relatives. Domestic violence under the Act includes actual abuse or the threat of abuse, whether physical, sexual, verbal emotional or economic. Harassment by way of dowry demands are also covered under the definition of domestic violence.

The State Government has taken all measures to implement the Act. The Programmes conducted by the Social Justice Directorate so far in connection with Domestic Violence Act  are the following:

1. Media campaign for gender sensitization in Domestic Violence Act and other social legislations. This is conducted by producing short films, video-audio spots and documentaries through Kerala State Film Development Corporation and telecasting of short films, video spots etc, through Doordarshan.

2. Broadcasting of audio spots and documentaries through A.I.R.

3. Awareness creation about Domestic Violence Act through print media. A booklet containing the DV Act, rules and relevant orders and a book namely “Sthreeyum  Niyamavum” have been printed and circulated among the stakeholders. A brochure containing an 'FAQ' regarding the Domestic Violence Act, addresses of service providers under PWDV Act etc has also been printed and circulated.

4. Training has been imparted to all stakeholders including Police Officers and Judiciary.

5. Capacity building programmes conducted for Protection Officers and computerization of Shelter Homes and Office of the Protection Officers carried out to increase their efficiency.

6. Recognized 23 Shelter Homes and 60 Service Providing Centers and provided Legal Counselors & Service of clinical psychologists though Kerala Social Welfare Board.

7. Provided Telephone connection to shelter homes and Office of the Protection Officers.

8. Installed Women Web Portal (www.keralawomen.gov.in)

9. Conducted workshops to Legal Counselors, Heads of Shelter Homes and Service Providing Centers for the smooth functioning of the scheme.

10. Provided Photocopy machine to Protection Offices.

11. Created 14 posts of Women Protection Officers.

12. Created Monitoring committee at State and District Level.

13. Conducted sensitization programme for capacity building to stakeholders.
    
    Implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 - Constitution of Co-ordination and Monitoring Committees at State level and District Levels - Orders issued

Name and Address of District Protection Officers Appointed as per the Act to Protect Women from Domestic Violence