A newly enacted law aims to enhance protections for victims of various forms of abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, and financial violence, while establishing a comprehensive support framework for survivors.
Under this legislation, individuals convicted of domestic violence could face imprisonment and fines of up to AED 50,000. Those who fail to report incidents of abuse or who file false reports will incur fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000. The law imposes additional penalties for offenses involving particularly vulnerable victims, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities. Repeat offenses within a year will also be considered an aggravating factor.
Nikhat Sardar Khan, head of corporate litigation at Hilal & Associates, emphasized the importance of this law, noting that previous legal frameworks inadequately addressed the complexities of domestic violence cases.
“By imposing stricter penalties and designating specific vulnerable groups for heightened protection, the law effectively closes critical gaps in the legal response,” she remarked.
The legislation allows victims to obtain protection orders valid for 30 days, with the option to extend for two additional periods. Violating these orders can result in imprisonment and/or fines of AED 5,000 to AED 10,000, escalating to a minimum of six months’ imprisonment and fines of AED 10,000 to AED 100,000 if violence is involved.
Additionally, the law stipulates that victims may only reconcile with their abusers with full consent and approval from prosecutors, prioritizing their safety.
Family lawyer Samara Iqbal praised the law for its focus on victim protection, stating that it reflects the UAE’s commitment to seriously addressing domestic violence.
“This is a significant step in enhancing legal protections for victims and creating a more robust framework for both prevention and intervention,” she noted.
The new provisions mandate the mandatory reporting of domestic violence incidents, requiring professionals and community members to promptly inform authorities while ensuring the confidentiality of victims’ identities. Reports of physical or sexual violence must be directed to the police, who are responsible for initiating legal action.
The introduction of a dedicated electronic register for domestic violence cases aims to improve data integration and information sharing among authorities, thereby enhancing enforcement and support for victims.
