Under section 2(a) any aggrieved woman can file a complaint of domestic violence happened with her. This may include a married woman as well as those in live-in relationships.
However, all kinds of live-in don't fall under its ambit. This law covers only those domestic relationships where the couple is portraying to society that they intend to live as husband-wife. Also, the couple in live-in shall be eligible for marriage meaning, of legal and either of them is not having already marriage in existence. Meaning, live-in with other people despite having a husband or wife is not covered in this act.
Earlier, the rule was that a complaint was to be filed only against male adult, but now it can be filed even against a woman.
Meaning, earlier a woman could file complaint only against her husband, brother-in-law, father-in-law or any other adult male but now women of the family can also be included.