The perpetration of sexual harassment may be done in different forms. From verbal harassment to physical nuisance, harassment can take many forms, from bad to worse. Even wanting unwanted, unnecessary attention also falls in the sexual harassment case. The global rise in sexual harassment cases is soaring unexpectedly.
From making lewd gestures, eve-teasing, or any other forms of non-verbal harassment. Similarly, sexual jokes and offensive comments about a person’s body fall under the harassment umbrella. Moreover, sending offensive or sexual jokes or obscene text, pictures, or videos is actionable in UAE law. In addition, when we talk about the physical form of sexual harassment, there is physical contact which may be any actions such as touching another person without their consent and can include instances of molestation.
However, when we talk about UAE, strict measures and policies have been made and implemented to bring wrongdoers to justice. It is because of these measures and regulations that sexual harassment cases in the UAE are way less than in the rest of the world. According to a valid representation and from the strong insights presented by the top-notch legal consultant in Dubai, the sexual crime rate in the UAE against women is as low as 1.5 per every 100,000 women.
This exceptional low in the crime rate indicates the result of the solid approach that law enforcement has taken against the wrongdoers to ensure that every person is safe in the UAE.
Moreover, the government is regularly enforcing better handling of such cases so that the victims are not further victimized because of the negative stigma attached to it.
Laws & Regulations for Dealing with Sexual Harassment Cases in UAE
As for sexual harassment, the laws and punishments are according to Articles 358, 359, 361, & 362 of The Federal Law no. (3) of 1987 promulgating the penal code.
- Article 358 states if a person publicly commits a disgraceful act shall be sentenced to a fine of no less than one thousand Dirhams and no more than fifty thousand Dirhams. And in case of repetition, the person will be awarded a sentence of imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months and a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Dirhams or either of these two penalties.
- Article 359 states that if a person attempts a disgraceful act verbally or physically, they will be punished with 1-year minimum imprisonment and AED 10,000 or less in fines. Furthermore, imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year with a fine shall be imposed on whoever indecently molests a female by words or acts on a public road or in a much-frequented place. The same penalty shall be imposed on any male, disguised in female apparel, who enters a place reserved for women or where entry is forbidden for other than women. Should he perpetrate a crime in this condition, this shall be considered an aggravating circumstance.
- Article 360 states that if someone is found passing lewd messages or body gestures to a passerby, they will be detained and punished for a minimum of 6 months.
- Article 361 elaborates that when someone is found engaging in lewd speeches, seductive messages, and appeals would be imprisoned for a period of 6 months and a fine of AED 5,000.
- Article 363 says if someone entices or persuades a minor female or male to practice prostitution or likewise act, they will be punished for a minimum of 2 years and a fine.
Understanding Sexual Harassment in Dubai
Sexual harassment in Dubai, UAE, can be advanced in any way, and the intentions are malicious, for which the person is penalized. Here are a few indecent ways that describe sexual harassment in Dubai.
First, we have a verbal statement which is a sexual statement about a person, their body, or sexually cracked jokes.
The next is non-verbal harassment which is done if someone is making sexual gestures or inappropriate body movements to persuade the other.
The next and most severe is the physical harassment in which a woman has to deal with inappropriate touching without consent.
There is more to it. The legal consultants at Mai Alfalasi also shed light on the following matters as factors for sexual harassment;
- Making a rape attempt on women.
- Excessive pressure at work for sexual bits of help.
- Filthy touching and contacting the body.
- Making sexual gestures, kissing sounds, body movements, catcalls, etc.
- Forceful hugging or even making rumors.
Online Sexual Harassment Punishments in Dubai
The UAE government and regulatory bodies are closely monitoring the cyber sexual harassment cases to keep a better eye on the violations and wrongdoers and serve justice at large. With this being said, here are a few of the punishments that online sexual harassment can put you into when you are in Dubai, UAE.
- The first type of harassment is deliberation, in which the harasser has deliberately harassed an individual to which they will be put to punish.
- Then comes the annoyance harassment in which unwanted, unrequested, and unwelcomed types of harassment have been made to an individual.
- Some repetitive offenders are fond of victimizing and targeting individuals and try to invade people's privacy.
All of these are punishable under the UAE’s law. For their indecent act of perpetration, they will not be allowed to do this illicit activity again.
How Can You File a Complaint about Sexual Harassment?
Mai Alfalasi provides the perfect legal services and assistance to people who have been harassed or molested in the past. Our legal consultants understand your situation, help you file a complaint, and take matters in a legal and declared way.
Our lawyers and advocates hold years of expertise, strong knowledge, and impressive skills to send a legal notice and serve you with justice. From filing a complaint to the last hearing in front of the public prosecutor, we will help you with a-to-z solutions.
The Final Words
After the above write-up, it becomes clear that sexual harassment cases are strictly dealt with in the UAE. No one is above the law and will be detained, punished, or fined for committing illicit activities. The rules and strict regulations make the UAE a better and equal place for all genders.
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Mai Alfalasi
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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