Domestic violence is a serious offense in the UAE that affects families, communities, and societies. In the UAE, authorities have taken strong legal strides to protect victims. If you’re facing abuse, This article dives deep into the Punishment for Domestic Violence in UAE, detailing the legal landscape, types of abuse, reporting mechanisms, and support available for victims.
What Is the New Domestic Violence Law?
The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy towards domestic abuse. The UAE’s Federal Law No. 10 of 2019, (also known as the Combating Domestic Violence Law) strengthens protections against domestic violence ensuring legal protection for victims, covering:
- Immediate protection orders.
- Stricter penalties for abusers.
- Support systems for victims, including shelters and counseling.
This law ensures that all forms of abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, or financial—are punishable. It recognizes that domestic violence extends far beyond physical contact, focusing instead on the abuse of power and trust within the family unit.
Forms of Domestic Violence
Understanding the forms of abuse makes it easier to identify and prosecute offenders. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Physical Abuse
This includes hitting, slapping, pushing, or any form of physical aggression. It’s the most visible form, but not always the easiest to report.
2. Emotional/Psychological Abuse
Often overlooked yet highly damaging. This includes insults, threats, manipulation, humiliation, or isolation that influence behavior or destroy self-esteem.
In many domestic violence cases, abuse can include verbal threats, public shaming, or even spreading false accusations. Victims dealing with these kinds of attacks may also have avenues to file a defamation suit. For detailed guidance, check out our article on how to file defamation case in UAE.
3. Sexual Abuse
This covers any non-consensual act – violations that are often stigmatized and underreported, ranging from rape to coercive behavior within a domestic setting. UAE law expressly prohibits it.
Marital rape and coercive sexual acts are criminal offenses, punishable by imprisonment.
4. Financial Abuse
Controlling finances, restricting access to money, or sabotaging employment are all forms of economic violence recognized under the law.
5. Digital or Cyber-Facilitated Abuse
Unfortunately, perpetrators may use social media, mobile phones, or email to send threatening messages or share private information. Such online harassment falls under cybercrime laws, which carry serious legal consequences. You can learn more about legal penalties in our post on cyber crime punishment in UAE.
Punishment for Domestic Violence in UAE
🛠️ Criminal Penalties Perpetrators
- Prison: Abusers face from a minimum of one month to a maximum of three years, depending on severity and recurrence.
- Fine: up to AED 30,000
- Deportation for Expats: Non-citizens convicted of domestic violence may be deported after serving their sentence.
These punishments reflect the gravity with which the UAE views family violence.
🔐Civil Remedies for Victims
- Protection Orders: Courts can issue restraining orders against abusers.
- Divorce and Custody Rights: Victims can file for divorce and seek child custody with legal support.
🚨 Aggravating Factors
- The law escalates penalties in serious cases involving repeated offenses, grievous injury, death, or child involvement.
Handling Domestic Violence Reports
🧰 Step-by-Step Process
- Initial Report : Victims can contact the police, the Family Protection Unit, or NGOs via phone or online portals and seek our legal counsel to navigate court proceedings.
- Investigation : Authorities collect evidence—medical reports, photos, witness statements, and more.
- Temporary Protection and Interim Hearing : Immediate orders may be issued to restrain the accused and keep the victim safe.
- Court Proceedings : Courts evaluate evidence, issue final orders, and impose penalties.
- Enforcement : Local police and partner departments ensure the accused complies.
Steps to Combat Domestic Violence in UAE
- Raise Public Awareness: Community campaigns via schools and workplaces.
- Empower Victims: Provide multilingual support and assured confidentiality.
- Strengthen Legal Support: Streamline reporting, increase legal aid, enforce penalties.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Court-mandated counseling, therapy, and behavioral education.
- Monitor Outcomes: Track cases to identify weaknesses and strengthen enforcement.
How Our Lawyers Can Help in Domestic Violence Cases
Our criminal lawyers in Dubai ensure:
- Legal Representation in Court
- Strong evidence presentation.
- Maximized compensation claims.
- Securing Protection Orders
- Our legal experts help obtain restraining orders quickly.
- Navigating Divorce and Compensation Claims.
The punishment for domestic violence in UAE is severe because every victim deserves safety, justice, and protection. If you or someone you know is facing abuse, you have legal rights—and we’re here to fight for them. Don’t wait—contact us now.
Conclusion
The UAE takes domestic violence seriously, with strict punishment for domestic violence in UAE laws. If you’re experiencing abuse—whether physical, emotional, financial, or sexual—the law is on your side, and so are we.
Victims can also pursue divorce, alimony, and child custody with Our professional Family lawyers in Dubai.
FAQ About Punishment for Domestic Violence in UAE
1. What is the max penalty for domestic violence?
Up to 6 months in jail (more for severe injuries) and fines up to AED 5,000.
2. What is the punishment for hitting someone in the UAE?
Even a minor assault can lead to jail, fines, or deportation for expats.
3. What is the punishment for wife abuse?
The same as other domestic violence cases: imprisonment, fines, and possible deportation.
4. What if someone abuses you in the UAE?
Report immediately to police (999) and seek legal help for protection orders.