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.Â
This blog is for all those males facing domestic violence; the laws for the protection of males against violence, and the practical steps men can take when home stops feeling safe.
Let's Learn First: What is Domestic Violence Against Men?
It is important to understand what domestic violence against males is, how it starts with small, blunt comments and slowly becomes violence against them. Here’s what abuse and violence a male faces:
- Physical abuse: It can be the wife or family members who are abusing a male through hitting, slapping, etc.
- Constant verbal abuse: Like giving poor remarks, yelling, forcing, and criticism;Â all this leaves an emotional and psychological impact on a male’s life.
- Trying to force them stay silent, not giving them importance, or take a part in family decisions. Â
- Socially embarrassing them, giving belittling remarks in public, dominating them.Â
- Some wife threaten their husband with filing false complaints against them with the police.
Why do Men Choose to stay Silent About the Violence Against Them?
It is not easy for anyone to live in a abusive relationship, regardless of gender. And especially if you’re a victim of domestic violence being a men in India, it makes you feel insecure, ashamed, and the lack of legal protection leaves a fear.Â
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.
Legal Remedies for Male Victims of Domestic Violence
Even though the law for the protection of male victims from domestic violence is still in progress in India. This does not mean that a man cannot complain against any abuse, threat, or any other unlawful conduct by his wife or family relatives. Here are some legal remedies that a male victim of harassment can seek under Indian law:Â
- Police Complaint: If a man is a victim of domestic violence, he can file a complain to his nearest police station. He can seek legal protection, and police will start their investigation.
- 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.
- Protection Order: In this, the victim can ask court for protection, and also order for the abuser to keep distance from the victim and not contact them. Â
- Physical harm: Section 115 BNS, which used to be called IPC 323, under this Act if someone intentionaly tries to harm someone they can face legal charges.Â
- Male victims of domestic violence can also file criminal charges against the abuserrs.
What Should a Man Do If He Is Being Abused?
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, consider taking the following steps:
- Prioritise your safety: Seek protection from police or official helplines if you’re facing violence, seek emergency assistance and move to a safe location where possible.
- Document incidents: Maintain complete documents of the incidents, medical records of injuries and property damage.
- Preserve evidence: Preserve the evidence like messages, photographs, medical records, emails, and CCTV footage, don’t forge them.
- File a Complain: In written mention all the conduct rather than simply stating that you are a victim of domestic violence.
- Keep copies of your complaint and supporting documents.
- Seek legal advice:Â A lawyer can assess the facts and identify the criminal, matrimonial, civil or child-related remedies that may be available in your particular case.
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 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.Â
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.
