Thread by @genderlogindia

TW - Domestic Violence

Hello, today we will be discussing a concept under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (will be calling this the DV Act, going forward) - Economic Abuse.

We know about physical, mental, sexual, and verbal abuse, all of which fall under the definition of domestic violence under the DV Act.

Today, we wil be focussing on the lesser know, but equally important concept - economic abuse.

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Many women in think it is natural to hand over their salary to their husband/ in-laws, as a matter of practice. While that may be so, completely depleting the woman of resources that she is entitled to, and not allowing her to maintain a decent life, is a form of abuse.

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For example, if your spouse usually takes control of your salary, yet gives you the money you require to maintain yourself/ household, it is an acceptable situation.

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However, if you are entirely dependent on him, and he does not give you any money to maintain yourself, the house, or your children - that is economic abuse.

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Under the DV Act, it is not just deprivation of economic or financial resources.

Economic abuse also includes selling your property (including your stridhan)/ securities/ bonds without your consent.

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Please remember, the DV Act is not applicable to just married couples.

It talks about "domestic relationships" between people who live in a shared household.

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Thus, violence in live-in-relationships/ violence within family members who are living in a joint family fall under the ambit of the Act.

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Your money is yours, and you deserve to be maintained well. By all means, trust someone and give them your money, but remember, it is your money, it is your property.

And not maintaining you or your children is not okay, and the law is there to back you on this.

As always, let me know if you have any questions :)

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