Family laws and violence

Family law promises equality and protection, yet the home remains a site of violence for many women: domestic abuse, dowry harassment, sexual assault and honour killing show how kinship power can turn coercive. Law matters, but its effect depends on police response, family pressure, economic dependence and social stigma. For example, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 created civil remedies such as protection and residence orders, yet many women still hesitate to complain against their own household. This chapter explains family laws, domestic violence, crime against women and honour killing.