Domestic violence has been defined by the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.  The Domestic Violence Act is primarily welfare legislation. The reliefs provided by the Domestic Violence Act include shelter, medical facilities, protection order, compensation order, etc. 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 Domestic Violence Act not only covers those women who are or have been in a relationship with the abuser but it also covers those women who have lived together in a shared household and are related by consanguinity, marriage or through a relationship in the nature of marriage or adoption including mothers, sisters or widows. Domestic Violence means harming or injuring a woman in a domestic relationship. There is no uniform or single reason that leads to domestic violence. It is a combination of various sociological/behavioral, historical, religious, and cultural factors that lead to perpetration of domestic violence against women. Domestic violence against women ranges from physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse to economic abuse. Domestic violence survivors can face ongoing and challenging effects after enduring physical, mental, and emotional abuse. The long-term effects of domestic violence are far-reaching and often devastating for victims – most often women and children.