Protection Officer
Added Last checked against India Code
An officer appointed by the State Government under the DV Act, 2005, usually a woman, who helps an aggrieved woman file her case, prepares the DIR and assists the Magistrate.
- Appointed by
- State Government
- Usually
- A woman officer
- Neglect of duty
- Punishable (Section 33)
What brings you here?
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I am facing violence at home
If you are in danger now, call 112. For help, shelter or counselling, call the Women Helpline on 181. You are entitled to free legal aid: call 15100.
I have received a notice under the DV Act
Read any order carefully and follow it while the case runs. Breaking a protection order is an offence even if you dispute the case.
I am a law student or judiciary aspirant
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What it means
A Protection Officer is appointed by the State Government under Section 8 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 for each district or area. As far as possible, Protection Officers are women.
Their duties include assisting the Magistrate, preparing the Domestic Incident Report, helping the woman apply for protection orders, making sure she gets free legal aid, and arranging a shelter home or medical examination when needed.
The Protection Officer works under the control and supervision of the Magistrate and also helps make sure orders for monetary relief are complied with.
A Protection Officer is not a police officer. They cannot arrest anyone or investigate a crime. Their job is to help the woman use the remedies under the Act and to keep the Magistrate informed.
The law
| Current provision | Replaced |
|---|---|
| Section 8, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005Appointment of Protection Officers | Still in force; not renumbered |
| Section 9, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005Duties and functions of Protection Officers | Still in force; not renumbered |
| Section 33, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005Penalty for not discharging duty by Protection Officer | Still in force; not renumbered |
When it matters
- A woman facing domestic violence does not know where to start or cannot afford a lawyer.
- She needs a shelter home or a medical examination arranged quickly.
- An order for monetary relief or residence is not being followed.
- The woman needs someone official to help her put her complaint in the right form before she goes to court.
Example
A woman in Jaipur calls the women's helpline and is directed to the district Protection Officer. The officer records her complaint in a DIR, connects her with the legal services authority for a free lawyer, and files her application before the Magistrate the same week.
Watch out for
- Contact details for Protection Officers are kept by the district Women and Child Development office and the District Legal Services Authority.
- A Protection Officer who fails or refuses to do their duty without sufficient cause can be punished under Section 33.
- You do not have to go through a Protection Officer. You or a lawyer can apply directly to the Magistrate.
Need help with a case?
A lawyer can file your application and ask for urgent orders. Free legal aid is also available on 15100.
Named in a DV case?
Speak to a lawyer before the first hearing.
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Last checked against the official text on India Code on 6 Nov 2026. This is general information on Indian law, not legal advice for your situation. Laws and court rulings change; a lawyer can tell you how they apply to your facts.