"Women are being subjected to extreme acts of physical violence, which takes place within the sanctity of their homes," the NCW said, quoting studies on the eve of a workshop to be addressed by its Chairperson Girija Vyas.

The violence is severe, painful, humiliating, recurrent and most often the victim is too overcome by fear, shame and powerlessness to do anything about it with domestic violence transcending race, religion, class and sexual orientation, it said.

After nearly a decade of advocacy and consensus building by various women's groups, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) was finally brought into force on October 26, 2006.

Its enactment was regarded as a significant step towards realising quality rights of women.

NCW sources said that after the enactment of law, the Commission thinks information exchange will be an essential exercise.

It should be based on complaints filed as well as action taken by state governments on appointment of protection officers, registration of service providers, the NCW said.