Protection of women and children in India is not governed by one single statute. A number of laws provide protection against different forms of violence, abuse, exploitation, harassment and discrimination.
This page should therefore function as a combined legal awareness guide rather than presenting Women & Child Protection as one individual Act.
Major Areas of Protection
The legal framework covers areas including:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual offences
- Sexual harassment at workplace
- Dowry-related offences
- Child sexual abuse
- Child trafficking and exploitation
- Cruelty and other offences against women
- Protection of children during investigation and trial
For example, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was enacted on 13 September 2005 and came into force on 26 October 2006. It provides for more effective protection of women who are victims of violence within the family and includes remedies such as protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, custody orders and compensation orders.
The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 prohibits the giving or taking of dowry and contains provisions relating to penalties and dowry demands.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 provides a legal framework for protection against workplace sexual harassment and for prevention and redressal of complaints. It came into force on 9 December 2013.
Protection of Children
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) is a specialised law protecting children from sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography.
It was enacted on 19 June 2012 and came into force on 14 November 2012. It provides for Special Courts and contains specific procedures concerning reporting, recording of a child's statement and trial of offences.
Why Are Special Laws Necessary?
Children may require special safeguards because of their age and vulnerability. Similarly, women facing domestic or workplace violence may require specific legal remedies beyond ordinary criminal provisions.
These laws seek to provide:
- Protection from abuse
- Access to legal remedies
- Reporting mechanisms
- Protective orders where applicable
- Special procedures
- Special Courts in specified cases
- Protection during judicial proceedings
What Can a Victim or Witness Do?
Where a genuine offence has occurred, the victim or a person aware of the offence should approach the appropriate police, child-protection, court or other competent authority.
In cases involving children, the child's privacy, dignity and safety should be given particular importance.
Relevant evidence should be preserved without manipulating or altering it.
What Is the Benefit to Citizens?
Awareness helps people understand that violence, abuse, harassment and exploitation are not merely “family matters” or “private disputes” when they amount to offences or fall within protective legislation.
Citizens can become better informed about:
- Where to seek help.
- What types of conduct may be unlawful.
- What legal remedies may exist.
- How to preserve evidence.
- How to support victims responsibly.
Key Awareness Point
Women and child protection laws are designed to provide legal protection, remedies and specialised procedures for vulnerable victims.
