It’s not always easy to recognize abuse—especially when it doesn’t come in the form of bruises or broken bones. For many individuals in Sri Lanka, particularly women and children, domestic violence hides behind closed doors and soft-spoken justifications. It may look like being told you’re worthless day after day. It may feel like constantly walking on eggshells around a partner or family member. It might be the sting of insults, the suffocating control over your money, or the fear of being isolated from loved ones. Often, people suffer in silence, unsure if what they’re experiencing “counts” as violence.
This article is for anyone who has ever wondered, “Is this abuse?” You deserve clarity, compassion, and above all—safety. The law in Sri Lanka sees you, even when others don’t. And you are not alone.
What Counts as Domestic Violence in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, domestic violence is defined and addressed under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act No. 34 of 2004 (PDVA). This legislation recognises that abuse is not limited to physical harm. It includes any conduct that causes mental or emotional distress, threatens well-being, or deprives someone of their autonomy and dignity within a family or household relationship.
Physical abuse—such as hitting, slapping, or pushing—is of course covered. But so too is emotional and psychological abuse, which may include verbal insults, threats, intimidation, and manipulation. Economic abuse—such as withholding money, preventing someone from working, or controlling all household finances—also qualifies. There is also social isolation, such as restricting someone from visiting family, cutting off phone access, or even dictating who they can talk to and where they can go.
Everyday examples can help illustrate how broad this definition is. A husband who regularly threatens to abandon his wife if she disobeys, a partner who prevents his spouse from accessing the TV remote or house keys, or a family member who insists on controlling every rupee in the house—these are not just disagreements or “family matters.” These patterns of behaviour are abusive under the law.
Recognising the Subtle Signs of Abuse
Many victims overlook or dismiss the signs of domestic violence, especially when they have been normalized over time. Abuse doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes, it’s a quiet erosion of your confidence, your independence, and your joy.
You may feel constantly anxious, fearing that anything you say will cause an outburst. Perhaps your partner decides everything—from where you live to what you wear—and mocks or scolds you when you assert your opinion. Maybe you’re discouraged or forbidden from seeing your family, and the phone calls to friends have long stopped. You may notice that you’re questioning your own worth, doubting your memory of events, or even blaming yourself for things that are not your fault. If your belongings are often destroyed during arguments, or promises to change are repeatedly broken, you may be trapped in a cycle of coercion and fear.
The law in Sri Lanka does not require physical injury for a court to intervene. Emotional and psychological abuse is valid. Economic control is valid. You do not have to wait until it escalates to be worthy of help.
Legal Protections Under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act
The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) was enacted in 2005 to provide survivors with swift legal protection. The cornerstone of this law is the Protection Order, which can stop an abuser from coming near you, contacting you, or continuing harmful behaviour. There are two types of protection orders: Interim Protection Orders and final Protection Orders.
An Interim Protection Order (IPO) is an urgent court order issued by a Magistrate to protect a victim immediately. It can be granted on the very same day the application is made, based on an affidavit describing the abuse. The IPO can include restrictions such as preventing the abuser from entering the home, contacting the victim, coming near the workplace or school, or using shared property. This temporary protection typically lasts for about two weeks, until the court can hold a full hearing.
A Protection Order, issued after a hearing, offers longer-term relief—lasting up to twelve months. It may include additional provisions such as requiring the abuser to vacate the shared residence, attend counselling, surrender any weapons, or stop interfering with the victim’s property. If violated, these orders carry legal consequences, and the police are duty-bound to enforce them.
Who Can File and Where to Go?
The law allows any person who has suffered or is at risk of domestic violence to file for protection. This includes women, men, and children. Parents or guardians can file on behalf of a child, and even a police officer can file an application if the victim is unable or unwilling to do so themselves.
Applications must be made at the Magistrate’s Court in the area where the abuse took place or where the victim lives. If you are unsure about which court to approach, local women’s support organisations, the Legal Aid Commission, or even your nearest police station can guide you.
How to Apply: Step by Step
The process begins with an application supported by an affidavit—a written statement describing the abusive behaviour. You can prepare this on your own, but it is often easier with the help of a lawyer or a women’s rights organisation such as Women in Need (WIN) or the Legal Aid Commission.
Once submitted, the Magistrate will review your affidavit. If the court finds the situation urgent, it may issue an Interim Protection Order on the same day. Notice of this order will be formally served to the abuser (the “respondent”) by court officers. A hearing will then be scheduled—usually within two weeks—where both parties can present their side.
At the hearing, you may bring evidence or witnesses, although it is not required in every case. If the court is satisfied that domestic violence has occurred—or is likely to occur—a Protection Order will be granted. Copies of the order are provided to you, the respondent, and the local police, who are expected to intervene if the order is breached.
You can also return to court later to request changes to the order, or to extend its duration if the risk continues.
Where to Get Help
Several organisations in Sri Lanka provide free or low-cost legal support, counselling, and shelter for those affected by domestic violence. The Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka, under the Ministry of Justice, operates offices across the island and can assist with court filings. Women in Need (WIN), a longstanding women’s rights NGO, offers legal advice, counselling, and safe spaces for women fleeing abuse. Other groups like Home for Human Rights (HHR) and the Law and Society Trust also provide community-based support and legal education.
In urgent situations, you can go directly to the police, especially if you are in immediate danger. The police can assist in filing the application or refer you to a Magistrate’s Court.
You Deserve Safety — And There Is Help
If you’ve spent months or years telling yourself “It’s not that bad,” this is your gentle reminder that your safety, dignity, and mental peace matter. Abuse doesn’t need to be visible on the skin to leave deep scars. If you are feeling trapped, afraid, or unsure, start by speaking to someone you trust—a friend, a family member, a lawyer, or a support group.
A good first step may be to visit your nearest Magistrate’s Court or Legal Aid office and speak with someone about a Protection Order. If you’re not ready for court, consider calling a women’s organisation that can help you make sense of your situation.
You are not alone. And you do not have to endure this in silence. Sri Lanka’s laws now offer meaningful protection—because you are worth protecting.
If you or someone you know is facing abuse, consider contacting Women In Need (WIN) at 011-4718585 or visiting the Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka for assistance.
