The UAE has enacted stricter penalties for domestic violence and related offenses through a new law published in the government’s Official Gazette. Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024, issued on September 10, aims to enhance protection for victims of physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, while establishing a comprehensive support framework.
Under this law, those convicted of domestic violence may face imprisonment and/or fines up to Dh50,000. Additionally, individuals who neglect to report abuse could be fined between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000, with the same penalties applying to those who submit false reports.
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Harsher penalties will be imposed if the victim is a parent, elderly (over 60 years), pregnant, a child, disabled, or incapacitated. Repeat offenses within a year will also be treated as aggravating factors.
Nikhat Sardar Khan, head of the corporate, DIFC Litigation, and Arbitration Department at Hilal & Associates Advocates & Legal Consultants, highlighted that previous laws, such as Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2019, did not adequately address domestic violence cases. She commended the new law for addressing critical gaps and providing stronger protections for vulnerable groups.
The new legislation introduces protection orders for victims, valid for up to 30 days and extendable twice. Violating a protection order could lead to imprisonment and/or fines between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000. If violence or coercion is involved, penalties increase to a minimum of six months in prison and/or fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh100,000.
Violating confidentiality regarding domestic violence incidents or disclosing a victim’s identity can result in imprisonment and/or a minimum fine of Dh20,000. Forcing or threatening a victim to withdraw their complaint may lead to imprisonment and/or fines between Dh10,000 and Dh50,000.
Samara Iqbal, a divorce and family lawyer, praised the law’s emphasis on victim protection, noting that it empowers victims to pursue justice. She recognized the law’s inclusion of both protective and rehabilitative measures as a significant advancement in aiding domestic violence victims.
Furthermore, the law establishes clear procedures for reporting abuse, mandates that reconciliation requires the victim’s consent, and creates special judicial circuits for efficiently handling domestic violence cases. Compared to previous legislation, this law introduces tougher penalties, broader definitions of abuse, and a more comprehensive system for victim protection and offender rehabilitation.
