Can Survivors Request Name Change For Safety?

Survivors of domestic violence often face ongoing threats, harassment, and stigma from abusers or community members. To enhance their safety and privacy, survivors may seek a legal name change or other identity protection measures. Indian law permits individuals to change their names following a prescribed legal procedure, which can be critical for survivors seeking to start anew and avoid further harm.

Legal Aspects of Name Change for Survivors

Right to Change Name

Any adult in India can legally change their name by following the government’s official process, which involves affidavit creation, newspaper publication, and updating official records.

Safety and Privacy Concerns

Survivors can request courts or Protection Officers to assist in keeping the name change confidential to protect against abuser retaliation or community backlash.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA)

While PWDVA does not explicitly provide for name changes, it empowers courts to issue protection orders, which can include directions for identity protection and anonymity in legal proceedings.

Witness Protection and Anonymity

In extreme cases, courts may provide additional protections to keep survivor identities confidential during trials and hearings.

Updating Official Documents

After legal name change, survivors must update all important documents such as Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, bank accounts, and ration cards to avoid confusion and maintain identity consistency.

Procedure to Change Name

• Prepare an affidavit stating the reason for name change.
• Publish a notice in at least two newspapers (one local and one national).
• Submit an application to the relevant government authority or gazette notification office.
• Update all identity proofs and legal documents accordingly.

Consumer/Victim Safety Tips

• Consult Protection Officers or legal aid clinics for guidance on confidential name changes.
• Avoid sharing new name widely until legal formalities are complete.
• Keep copies of all name change documents safely.
• Inform trusted authorities like police or social workers about the name change for coordinated protection.

Example

A survivor of domestic abuse fears her abuser might track her down using her current name.

Steps Taken:

• She files an affidavit for name change with the help of a Protection Officer.
• Publishes the name change notice in newspapers.
• Notifies the court handling her protection order to keep her new identity confidential.
• Updates her Aadhaar, bank accounts, and other documents with her new name.
• Gains safety and peace of mind living under a new identity.