Analyzing the implementation of India's Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) in the coastal districts of Orissa

In 2005, India enacted the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA). This law allows domestic violence victims to seek protection, monetary support, shelter, and medical expenses from their abuser. The PWDVA establishes the position of Protection Officer – a government employee who helps victims pursue their legal remedies and meet their health needs. These provisions help shift the burden of domestic violence away from victims and on to society as a whole. This project explores the PWDVA's impact on ameliorating the harms suffered by victims of domestic violence. Data for the project was collected in five coastal districts of the state of Orissa. Key informants (e.g., Protection Officers, attorneys, medical providers and domestic violence victims) were identified and selected by judgment and snowball sampling. Interview guides were designed and key informant in-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed, coded and analyzed. The role of Protection Officers emerged as an important factor in the ability of women to fully utilize the PWDVA provisions. Protection Officers often serve as a conduit between women and needed services. Limitations to the Protection Officer's efforts include a lack of community awareness, overworked conditions, gender discrimination, and delays in the legal process. The results of this project show that while the PWDVA is an advance for the protection of women, there are still many issues to address, including limitations of the Protection Officer position as currently instituted. These findings will be used by victim advocates to call for stronger and more adequate protections for victims.