Domestic Violence Complaint Procedure Pakistan

Short Answer: 6 Steps to File a Domestic Violence Complaint

The domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan consists of 6 essential steps:

1. Call helpline 1099 or police 15 for immediate safety
2. Get medical examination at a government hospital
3. File FIR at the nearest police station
4. Contact Protection Officer or Women Protection Officer
5. Apply for protection order in Family Court
6. Seek shelter at Darul Aman or Violence Against Women Center (VAWC)

Each step is explained in detail below. Victims should act quickly – evidence is most reliable within 24-48 hours.

Legal Framework for Domestic Violence Complaints in Pakistan

The domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan is supported by multiple laws:

• Constitution of Pakistan (1973): Articles 9, 14, and 25 provide fundamental rights to life, dignity, and equality.
• Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) 1860: Sections 332-338 (hurt), Section 337 (assault), Section 509 (insulting modesty).
• Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016 – Applies to Punjab province.
• Sindh Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2013 – Applies to Sindh province.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Domestic Violence Against Women Act 2021 – Applies to KPK province.
• Balochistan Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2014 – Applies to Balochistan province.
• Federal Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2026 – Applies to Islamabad Capital Territory.
• Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1898: Sections 22-A/22-B for judicial remedy when police refuse FIR.

For complete details on domestic violence laws, see our Domestic Violence Laws in Pakistan guide.

Step 1: Immediate Safety Measures – Call Helpline 1099 or Police 15

The first step in the domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan is ensuring your immediate safety:

• Call the Women's Helpline at 1099 – This is a 24/7 helpline that provides guidance, counseling, and connects you with local support services.
• Call police emergency 15 – If you are in immediate danger, call the police. They are duty-bound to respond and protect you.
• Go to a safe place – If possible, go to a neighbor's house, a relative's home, or a public place.
• Save emergency contacts – Keep the numbers 1099, 15, and 1098 (Madadgar Legal Aid) saved on your phone.
• Tell someone you trust – Inform a family member, friend, or colleague about your situation.

Important: Do not wait for the violence to escalate. The sooner you seek help, the better protected you will be.

Step 2: Medical Examination and Evidence Collection

The second step in the domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan is obtaining medical evidence:

• Go to a government hospital immediately – Private hospital reports may be admissible but government hospital reports are preferred by courts.
• Ask for a medico-legal examination – Tell the doctor you are a victim of domestic violence and need a medical report for legal purposes.
• The medical report should document: Type and location of injuries, age of injuries (fresh or old), doctor's opinion on cause of injuries, and any internal injuries or fractures.
• Keep photographs of injuries – If possible, take clear photographs of your injuries with dates visible.
• Save threatening messages – Do not delete WhatsApp messages, SMS, call recordings, or emails from the abuser.

Medical evidence is crucial for both FIR registration and protection order applications. Without medical evidence, the court may not take your complaint seriously.

Step 3: File FIR at Police Station

The third step in the domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan is registering a First Information Report (FIR):

• Go to the police station having jurisdiction – This is the police station where the incident occurred or where you reside.
• Give your statement to the SHO – The Station House Officer (SHO) is legally bound to register your FIR for cognizable offenses.
• What to include in your statement: Date and time of incident, location, nature of violence (physical, psychological, economic, sexual), name of the abuser, names of any witnesses, and any prior incidents.
• Get a copy of the FIR – You are entitled to a free certified copy of the FIR. This is your legal proof that the complaint has been registered.
• Ask for the FIR number – This number is needed for tracking the case and for court proceedings.

Important: Police cannot refuse to register a FIR for domestic violence. If they refuse, proceed to the next section below.

Step 4: Contact Protection Officer / Women Protection Officer

The fourth step in the domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan is contacting a Protection Officer:

• What is a Protection Officer? A government-appointed officer who assists victims of domestic violence. Under the Punjab Act, they are called Women Protection Officers (WPOs).
• How to find your Protection Officer? Contact the District Protection Committee or the Social Welfare Department in your district.
• What can a Protection Officer do for you? Help you file a complaint, accompany you to the police station, assist in filing a protection order application, arrange shelter, and connect you with legal aid.
• Is there a fee? No. Protection Officer services are free of cost.

In Punjab, you can contact the Women Protection Officer through the District Protection Committee. In other provinces, contact the Social Welfare Department.

Step 5: Apply for Protection Order in Family Court

The fifth step in the domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan is applying for a protection order:

• Where to apply? Family Court or Magistrate Court having jurisdiction where the violence occurred or where you reside.
• What documents are needed? FIR copy (if filed), medical report, photographs of injuries, CNIC copy, proof of residence, and any threatening messages.
• What is the timeline? In urgent cases, the court can issue an interim protection order within 24-48 hours. A final protection order takes 30-60 days.
• What can the court order? Protection order (prohibits further violence), residence order (allows you to stay in shared home), monetary compensation, and temporary custody of children.
• Do you need a lawyer? Not mandatory, but highly recommended. You can also file through a Protection Officer for free assistance.

For detailed guidance on protection orders, see our Protection Order in Pakistan guide.

Step 6: Seek Shelter and Support Services

The final step in the domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan is accessing shelter and support:

• Darul Aman (Women's Shelter Homes): Government-run shelter homes for women in distress. Available in every district. Free accommodation, food, and basic facilities.
• Violence Against Women Centers (VAWCs): One-stop centers that provide medical care, legal aid, police assistance, and shelter under one roof. Established in Punjab and other provinces.
• One-Stop Protection Centres (OSPCs): Available in Sindh, these centers provide integrated services for domestic violence victims.
• Legal Aid: Free legal assistance is available through Protection Committees, District Legal Aid Committees, and NGOs like Madadgar (1098).
• Counseling and psychosocial support: Available at VAWCs, Darul Aman, and through the Women's Helpline (1099).

Do not hesitate to seek shelter if you are unsafe at home. Your safety is the highest priority.

What to Do If Police Refuse to Register FIR?

If police refuse to register your FIR during the domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan, you have legal remedies:

How to file under Section 22-A/22-B CrPC: Approach the Session Judge in your district through a lawyer. The judge can order the police to register your FIR. This is an effective remedy when police refuse to act.

Documents Required for Domestic Violence Complaint

For a successful domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan, gather these documents:

Landmark Case Laws on Domestic Violence Complaint Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions on Domestic Violence Complaint Procedure Pakistan

Q1: Domestic violence complaint procedure Pakistan mein pehla step kya hai?

Answer: The first step is to call the Women's Helpline at 1099 or police emergency 15 for immediate safety and guidance.

Q2: Kya police bina FIR register kiye complaint le sakti hai?

Answer: No. For cognizable offenses (including domestic violence), police must register an FIR. They cannot take a "general diary" entry instead.

Q3: Medical examination kitne din mein karana zaroori hai?

Answer: Ideally within 24 hours of the incident. Medical evidence is most reliable when obtained immediately.

Q4: Kya protection order ke liye lawyer zaroori hai?

Answer: Not mandatory. You can file through a Protection Officer or Women Protection Officer for free assistance. However, a lawyer can help present your case more effectively.

Q5: Darul Aman mein rehna kitna safe hai?

Answer: Darul Aman are government-run shelter homes with security, food, and basic facilities. They are safe and provide protection from abusers. Staff are trained to support domestic violence victims.

Q6: Kya online complaint kar sakte hain?

Answer: Some police stations have online FIR registration systems. In Punjab, you can file a complaint through the Punjab Police App. However, physical filing is more reliable.

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