UAE launches new domestic violence law strengthens victim protection

One of the main changes is the harsh fines imposed on those convicted of domestic abuse, which could land offenders either fines of up to Dh50,000 or jail. With fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh10,000, the law also holds those responsible for neglecting to document events of abuse, False documentation of domestic abuse will result in comparable fines, These clauses are meant to discourage system abuse by means of proper reporting and accountability of offenders.

The law adds increased fines for circumstances affecting especially sensitive people. The criminal pays harsher fines if the victim is a parent, elderly (over 60), pregnant, a kid, someone with a handicap, or helpless. The law also takes repeated offenses inside one year into account as an aggravating element, therefore escalating the penalties for habitual offenders.

Legal professionals have hailed the new law for filling inefficiencies in the previous legal system. Legal specialist Nikhat Sardar Khan from Hilal & Associates claims that the 2019 Federal Decree-Law No. 10 fell short in sufficiently considering the complexity of domestic violence, The new law guarantees that victims get the required legal, mental, and physical support by classifying vulnerable groups that demand more shielding, therefore strengthening legal protections. Khan underlined that these tougher policies will assist to close important discrepancies in the handling of domestic abuse cases in the United Arab Emirates .

Apart from imposing stricter fines, the bill introduces the usage of protection orders to defend victims. Designed to keep offenders from contacting or approaching victims, these orders—which can last up to 30 days and be extended twice for similar durations—are Depending on the degree of the infringement, violating these rules could lead to fines between Dh5,000 and Dh100,000 or imprisonment. Should coercion or violence be used, the minimum term in prison is six months.

An other important feature of the new law is confidentiality. Those who provide information about episodes of domestic violence, gathered from their employment or from the victim, will be imprisoned and/or fined at least Dh20,000. Those who force victims to stop complaining will also be fined between Dh10,000 and Dh50,000. These clauses seek to defend victims' privacy and stop more victimizing of them.

Samara Iqbal, a family lawyer, has praised the law's all-encompassing approach to handling domestic abuse especially with regard to victim protection and support. She pointed out that the law motivates more people to come forward and pursue justice by criminalizing domestic violence and implementing policies meant to empower victims. Breaking the cycle of violence is regarded to depend critically on the emphasis on victim care, particularly financial help and shelter provision.

The new law also addresses reconciling between parties in cases of domestic abuse. Reconciliation can only occur with the victim's complete agreement and clearance from prosecutors, therefore guaranteeing that the victim's protection stays first. This clause is meant to stop forced reconciliations that can leave victims open to more injury.

The legislation also specifies how protection orders in domestic violence instances are issued. During a criminal proceeding, courts may grant these orders for up to six months; following the last ruling, they could be issued for up to twelve months, The orders could forbid the offender from getting in touch to the victim or visiting particular sites, give the victim financial help, and mandate that the perpetrator show up for counseling sessions.

The 2024 law provides a more thorough and strict framework for handling domestic abuse than the last law, It broadens the concept of domestic violence to encompass financial exploitation as well as physical and psychological abuse including sexual The law also guarantees more efficient enforcement by including an electronic registry to log all cases of domestic abuse, therefore improving cooperation among authorities.

By implementing stronger punishments, extending rights for victims, and offering a clearer, more all-encompassing framework for managing cases, Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 enhances the UAE's legal reaction to domestic abuse generally. The new law is likely to have a major influence on enhancing victim justice and safety as well as help to stop further abuse events.