Domestic violence, which is commonly known as family violence or domestic abuse, is a global concern. This type of violence happens in several forms at home, resulting in marriage or cohabitation. This commonly includes with or within the immediate family members, ex-partners, relatives, or even family friends. The phrase domestic violence itself represents that there is a strong relationship or connection between the offender and the victim.
The rise of domestic violence cases, disputes, and reports has gone to exponential heights. People marrying and then ending up with these domestic abuses are beyond being depressing. However, when we talk about the rest of the world, it is pivotal to note that the government of the UAE has taken prompt actions and decisions to overcome this nuisance and enforce strict measures to punish the culprits behind this. And why not, because in most cases, the victims are always women, and it leaves them with devastating consequences while disturbing their well-being, mindset, and self-dignity.
Keeping all the abuse and devastating realities that domestic violence could lead a victim into, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has made a series of legal amendments and changes to discipline a man to his wife and children without any legal consequences. This new development and changes have been launched in the new Family Protection Policy in 2019, which aims to strengthen the social bonds in the families and communities of the UAE.
Despite all the criticisms from the international and local human rights groups, the UAE government has taken deep consideration of the changes and made progressive steps in its approach to putting an end to domestic violence cases. And hence, the new Family Protection Policy in 2019 clearly validates the advanced steps being taken.
Ever since this policy, the definition and explanation of domestic violence in the UAE have received a broad perspective. The best and trusted lawyers in Dubai explain as it encompasses any aggression, threat, or abuse that a family member gets from another member – be it psychologically or physically.
Family Protection Policy 2019 – Formal Breakdown
Understanding the formal breakdown of the Family Protection Policy 2019 comes down to these 6 major forms:
- The first is the physical abuse in which causing any sort of bodily injury or trauma to the victim is counted even when there are no visible marks left.
- The second is emotional or psychological abuse, in which any sort of emotional anguish to a person is counted.
- We also have verbal abuse in which passing nasty or hurtful statements to other person are heavily punished.
- The next provision for learning about is sexual abuse, in which any act of sexual assault on the person is acted upon and punished.
- Also, there is a strong focus on negligence if anyone is found to be neglected from the legal duties that aren't acted upon.
- The last point is the economic or financial abuse in which there is an act meant to harm a victim by depriving them of their right or freedom to dispose of their possessions.
Laws & Penalties for Domestic Violence in Dubai
Earlier, the penalties and punishments for domestic violence weren’t any less. But with the new laws instituted, several new laws and punishments for domestic violence and sexual abuse offenders have taken on many forms.
Article 7 of the UAE’s Law for domestic violence provides a solid protection order being issued in favor of the complaint, which can be extended twice and can be further extended with the court’s permission for a period not exceeding 6 months of time. On the other hand, Article 8 covers that if the offender breaches the order or complaint under any circumstances, the defendant can get a fine under the supreme law of UAE.
According to Article 9 (1) of the Federal Law No. 10 of 2019 of the UAE that focuses on Protection from Domestic Violence, if anyone is found or indulge in attempting domestic violence, the offender will be subjected to a jail term of up to 6 months coupled with a fine of up to AED 5,000.
What’s more, Article 10 of the domestic violence law in the UAE mentions the possible reconciliation between the defendant and offender parties. However, this does not mention the provision of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Moreover, if anyone is found guilty of a second offense shall be subject to twice the penalty. This also indicates that if a person breaches the restraining order shall be subjected to three-month imprisonment combined with a fine of AED 1,000 and AED 10,000.
UAE’s Law Ensuring Women’s Safety
Several local and international human rights groups in the UAE have criticized the decisions and changes in domestic violence law, which are totally against the Shariah Law for discrimination against women. The groups have raised significant points, which generally show how the UAE’s legal system is entirely based on the Shariah Law, and the new amendments in the domestic violence law would stand against the core and robust principles of Shariah Law.
However, there are several complexities and criticism from various groups that didn’t shatter the aim of the UAE’s government. The enforcement resulted in a commendable reduction in domestic violence and sexual abuse cases in UAE.
How Mai Alfalasi Offers Admirable Support?
The lawyers, advocates, and legal consultants at Mai Alfalasi are certified and hold decade-long experience in solving cases of all natures and providing praiseworthy assistance in domestic abuse cases. We have a team of top-notch legal consultants in Dubai who are available to help you with your legal issues, including domestic violence and sexual abuse in the UAE.
The lawyers at Mai Alfalasi will ensure the best outcome for you. We have dedicated lawyers in Dubai who deals with domestic violence and sexual abuse cases regularly to ensure that clients get the best legal solutions from the best.
The Final Takeaway
The UAE’s government has a zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence offenders, and the culprits are punished rigorously so that an example is set for preventing these cases in the future.
Thus, if you are an ill-fated prey of domestic violence in Dubai, Mai Alfalasi is here with the best lawyers and legal consultants in the UAE to facilitate you and provide the best solutions.
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