Are Verbal Insults Covered Under DV Act?

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (DV Act) broadly defines domestic violence to include physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and economic abuse. Verbal insults and abusive language are recognized as forms of emotional and psychological abuse, which can cause significant harm to the survivor’s mental well-being and dignity.

Verbal Insults as Domestic Violence

Definition Under the DV Act

Section 3 of the DV Act explicitly includes verbal and emotional abuse as part of domestic violence.

Verbal insults, name-calling, humiliating remarks, threats, and constant criticism fall under mental cruelty.

Impact on Survivors

Emotional abuse affects mental health, causing stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Courts recognize that non-physical abuse can be as damaging as physical violence.

Legal Remedies and Protection Orders

Courts can issue protection orders restraining the abuser from using abusive language or insulting the survivor.

Maintenance and monetary relief can also be granted considering the emotional harm caused.

Evidence and Proof

Survivors should document incidents of verbal abuse through recordings, witness testimonies, or written accounts.

Protection Officers assist in gathering evidence and supporting the survivor.

Judicial Approach

Courts increasingly acknowledge the seriousness of verbal abuse.

Emotional abuse cases receive protection under the DV Act alongside physical violence cases.

Consumer Safety Tips

• Keep a record of abusive conversations or incidents.
• Inform the Protection Officer about all forms of abuse, including verbal.
• Seek counseling and legal advice for emotional abuse.
• Use court orders to ensure abusers refrain from verbal insults.
• Reach out to support groups for psychological help.

Example

In a Bangalore case, a woman faced continuous verbal abuse and insults from her husband. She filed a DV complaint, and the court issued a protection order prohibiting the husband from insulting or verbally abusing her, highlighting that verbal insults are actionable under the DV Act.