UAE — The UAE has introduced a significant overhaul of its domestic violence legislation, imposing harsher penalties on offenders and expanding protections for victims. Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024, published in the government’s Official Gazette, aims to address various forms of abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, and financial violence.
Key Provisions of the New Law
- Penalties for Offenders: Individuals convicted of domestic violence may face imprisonment and/or fines up to Dh50,000. Aggravating factors, such as the victim being a parent, elderly, pregnant, a child, or a person with disabilities, will result in stiffer penalties. Repeat offenders within a year of a previous incident will also face enhanced consequences.
- Reporting Obligations: Those who fail to report instances of domestic violence will incur fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh10,000. Filing a false report will attract the same penalties.
- Protection Orders: Victims can obtain a protection order valid for up to 30 days, extendable for two additional periods. The court may prohibit the perpetrator from contacting the victim or approaching designated locations, including the victim’s home or workplace.
- Support Measures: The law includes provisions for the victim’s shelter, financial support for medical expenses, and mandatory rehabilitation for offenders. Additionally, any breach of a protection order can lead to significant fines or imprisonment.
- Confidentiality and Reporting: Confidential information related to domestic violence cases is protected. Individuals who report incidents will remain anonymous unless required to disclose their identity during judicial proceedings.
Expert Perspectives
Legal experts have praised the new law for its comprehensive approach to domestic violence. Nikhat Sardar Khan, head of the corporate litigation department at Hilal & Associates, highlighted the law’s emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups and closing gaps from previous legal frameworks. “This law ensures that victims receive not only legal redress but also emotional and physical support,” she noted.
Samara Iqbal, a founding partner at Aramas International Lawyers, emphasized that the new law reflects a serious commitment to addressing domestic violence, offering a robust framework for prevention and intervention. “By integrating protective measures with rehabilitation options, the law aims to create a safer environment for families,” she said.
Comparison with Previous Legislation
The new law enhances and clarifies the existing legal framework:
- Stricter Penalties: The previous law lacked specific penalties for various offences; the new law introduces detailed and harsher punishments.
- Expanded Definition of Domestic Violence: The 2024 law broadens the definition of domestic violence to include sexual and financial exploitation, providing more comprehensive protections.
- Establishment of Special Judicial Circuits: The law introduces dedicated judicial circuits to expedite cases of domestic violence, facilitating faster legal proceedings in sensitive situations.
This legislative advancement underscores the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding individuals against domestic violence and fostering a supportive environment for victims.
