The primary objective of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 is to:

The preamble of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 states its object as providing "for more effective protection of the rights of women guaranteed under the Constitution who are victims of violence of any kind occurring within the family". Dowry is dealt with by the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and the Act does not govern marriage registration or the division of family property.