Male Victims of Domestic Violence in India: Legal Rights, Complaint Process & Relief (2026 Guide)
He never thought he would be scared inside his own home. Arguments turned into threats. Silence turned into control. When he finally searched for help, every answer pointed to laws meant for women. That’s when the confusion hit harder than the abuse itself.
People don’t want to admit it, but stories like this happen more often than they think. Male victims of domestic violence exist in India, but most don’t know where they stand legally.
So, this guide breaks down the reality, the law, and the practical steps men can take when home stops feeling safe.
Male Victims of Domestic Violence: It’s Not Just a “Woman’s Issue
For many men, the biggest enemy is not the law. It is society. “Log kya kahenge?” (What will people say?) “You are a man, adjust.”
These lines stop men from seeking help. Abuse is treated as weakness when it happens to men. This way of thinking makes a lot of male survivors of domestic violence keep quiet. But things are changing in the Indian Judiciary. In January 2025, the Delhi High Court (Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma) made a very important ruling:
“Men are equally entitled to protection from cruelty and violence as women; gender should not be a determining factor in cases involving physical assault.”
Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) also shows a silent crisis: almost 70% of recorded suicides in India are by men, and “Family Problems” are the main reason.
Is There a “Domestic Violence Act” for Men?
The legal reality is that male victims of domestic violence in India cannot file cases as victims. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) only recognises women as “aggrieved persons.” Courts have repeatedly confirmed this position.
That said, abuse does not become legal just because the victim is a man.
The Alternative Legal Route: BNS & IPC
There are now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) rules instead of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) since July 2024. Most of these sections are gender-neutral, meaning they protect men just as much as women.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) from 2024: India’s criminal laws moved from the IPC to the BNS in 2024. Abuse and violence crimes are mostly gender-neutral, which means that men can fully use them.
- Physical harm: Section 115 BNS, which used to be called IPC 323, says that a man can be charged with this crime if his partner or a family member hurts him physically. No need to worry about gender here.
- Threats and intimidation – Section 351 BNS: This replaces IPC 506. It covers criminal intimidation, threats, and coercive behaviour, including emotional pressure and blackmail.
- Cruelty cases and misuse – Sections 85 & 86 BNS: These replace IPC 498A. Courts now clearly recognise misuse and allow a strong legal defence when false or retaliatory cases are filed.
How Male Victims of Domestic Violence Can File a Complaint
Many men ask one practical question: How men can report domestic violence without being ignored or mocked? Here’s how:
Start with preparation
Before approaching any authority, understand that clarity matters.
The question most men ask is how men can report domestic violence without being dismissed.
The answer starts with proof.
Document your evidence
Save voice notes, WhatsApp chats, emails, and call recordings that show threats or abuse.
Medical reports or MLC records from a government hospital are very valuable in court if there is physical harm.
Additionally, CCTV video from homes or apartments is useful.
Approach the police
Talk to the SHO at the police station near you.
You can file either a FIR or a Non-Cognizable complaint, depending on how serious your problem is. Stay with facts, dates, and events.
Immediately call 112 if you feel threatened.
Go to the Magistrate if needed
If police do not act, file a private complaint under Section 223 of the BNSS.
Magistrates can order an investigation if an offence is disclosed.
Seeking timely advice from a qualified family lawyer in Bangalore, Family lawyer in Hyderabad, Family lawyer in Mumbai, Family Lawyer in Chennai ensures that your rights are protected, your evidence is preserved correctly, and your complaint is presented in a legally sustainable manner.
Legal Remedies for Male Victims of Domestic Violence
Abuse cases do not end at police complaints. Family courts and higher courts also offer remedies that can protect men and help restore balance.
- Divorce on the grounds of cruelty: If abuse happens all the time or is too much to handle, you can get a divorce under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act or similar rules in the Special Marriage Act.
- Restitution of Conjugal Rights (RCR): According to Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act, a spouse can ask for their marriage to be restored.
- Child custody and visitation rights: The “best interest of the child” is what courts use to decide who gets custody. A father who can show that he is stable, caring, and can provide a safer home may get custody or structured visitation.
- Quashing false or retaliatory cases: Section 528 of the BNSS allows men to approach the High Court to quash FIRs that are abusive or legally unsustainable. Courts now look closely at cases that are only meant to harass.
Practical Assistance for Male Victims of Domestic Violence: Costs & Support
It takes more than papers to fight in court. They want your time, money, and a strong will. You can make better plans when you know what to prepare for.
- Legal costs to expect
A basic consultation with a lawyer usually costs between ₹2,000 and ₹10,000. Contested cases can run higher depending on the city, court workload, and how long the case continues. - Support beyond courts
Groups like Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF) and Men Welfare Trust offer guidance, peer support, and counselling references. They can’t take the place of legal remedies, but they do help men feel less alone and see things clearly during tough times.
Guidance for Male Victims of Domestic Violence
In India, being a male victim of domestic violence can feel isolating and confusing. While laws like the PWDVA focus on women, criminal provisions, family courts, and proper legal guidance provide meaningful options. Understanding evidence, following the right complaint process, and seeking professional advice are essential steps toward resolution.
Legal professionals like Kamal & Co. Advocates offer experienced guidance for men navigating these kinds of cases. Their experts help men approach legal action with clarity and confidence.
