Section 10 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 – Service Providers
Registration of Service Providers
Under this section, non-governmental organizations—such as voluntary associations registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or companies registered under the Companies Act, 1956—may register with the State Government as official Service Providers under the Act. To qualify, an organization must aim to protect women’s rights and interests through lawful means such as offering legal aid, medical care, financial assistance, and other support.
Powers and Duties
Once registered, Service Providers are empowered to:
- Record the Domestic Incident Report (DIR): If the aggrieved woman wishes, the provider can document the incident using the prescribed form, and forward a copy to both the Magistrate and the relevant Protection Officer.
- Facilitate Medical Examination: They may arrange a medical examination for the victim and send the report to the Protection Officer and local police station within whose jurisdiction the incident occurred.
- Provide Shelter: They can arrange accommodation in a designated shelter home if required by the aggrieved person, and report the lodging details to the local police station .
Legal Protection (Immunity)
Service Providers and their members who act in good faith under the Act are protected from legal suits, prosecutions, or other proceedings for actions taken in the performance of their duties to prevent domestic violence .
Summary
Section 10 ensures qualified NGOs and associations can officially participate in supporting domestic violence survivors—helping with incident reporting, medical referrals, and emergency shelter. It also offers them legal shield when acting in good faith under the law. Let me know if you’d like this expanded or formatted into a longer document.