Domestic Violence Laws and Remedies
Course Overview

Domestic violence is a significant issue in Bangladesh, and the legal framework to address it has evolved significantly in recent years. The primary legislation dealing with domestic violence is the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010, which marked a crucial step in recognizing and combating domestic violence as a specific legal issue. The Domestic Violence Act 2010 provides a broad definition of domestic violence, encompassing physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse. It extends protection not only to wives but also to women in other domestic relationships, including mothers, sisters, and daughters. The Act allows victims to seek protection orders, residence orders, and compensation orders from the court. Under this Act, victims can file complaints with the police, enforcement officers, or directly with the court. The law empowers courts to issue protection orders, which can include prohibiting the perpetrator from committing further acts of violence, entering the victim's workplace or children's school, or contacting the victim. The Act also provides for the appointment of enforcement officers to assist victims in accessing legal and medical services. It mandates the creation of shelter homes for victims and emphasizes the importance of counseling for both victims and perpetrators. In addition to the Domestic Violence Act, other laws also play a role in addressing domestic violence. The Penal Code 1860 criminalizes various forms of physical and sexual violence that can occur in domestic settings. The Nari-o-Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain 2000 (Women and Children Repression Prevention Act) provides severe punishments for crimes against women and children, including domestic violence.