Domestic violence, as defined under Section 3 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, includes a wide range of abusive behaviours. It covers:
a) physical abuse (such as hitting, slapping, pushing),
b) sexual abuse (forced or non-consensual sexual contact),
c) verbal and emotional abuse (insults, name-calling, threats, constant criticism, humiliation), and
d) economic abuse (controlling money, denying access to financial resources, not allowing the woman to work).
This law recognizes that domestic violence is not just limited to physical harm, but can also include behaviour that undermines a woman’s dignity and freedom. For instance, if a husband refuses to let his wife use household money, or constantly threatens her emotionally, or tries to isolate her from her family and friends, all these actions can amount to domestic violence.

According to Section 3 of the Act, the following constitute domestic violence:
1. Physical Abuse- Any act that harms the health, safety, life, limb, or well being of the woman.
2. Sexual Abuse- Any conduct of a sexual nature that abuses, humiliates, degrades, or otherwise violated the dignity of a woman.
3. Verbal and Emotional Abuse- Insults, humiliation, name-calling or repeated threats to cause physical pain to any person in whom the aggrieved woman is interested.
4. Economic Abuse- Deprivation of financial resources, denial of maintenance, disposal of household effects, or prohibition/restriction to continued access to resources or facilities the woman is entitled to.
5. Harrasment for Dowry- Any act or harassment with a view to coerce her or her relatives to meet unlawful demands for dowry or other property or valuable security.
6. Threats of Abuse- Threatening the woman or her relatives with any of the above forms of abuse.