Kuwait: 36% Drop In Domestic Violence Cases In First Six Months Of New Law

Domestic violence cases registered with the Public Prosecution fell by 36 per cent during the first six months of the Domestic Violence Protection Law, Justice Minister Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait said. He attributed the decline to the new legislation, which strengthens protection for vulnerable family members.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Sumait said 646 cases were registered between March 15 and September 13, 2026, down by 365 from the 1,011 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.

He linked the decline to Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026, which prohibits waivers, reconciliation and pardons in certain domestic violence and sexual abuse cases. However, he stressed that the reduction in reported cases did not mean the problem had been resolved. Every domestic violence case, he said, posed a threat to family stability and required serious attention.

The minister said the Ministry of Justice would continue to monitor relevant indicators and assess the law’s effectiveness. He described family protection as a shared national responsibility, adding that the legislation would be evaluated and developed in light of its effectiveness in reducing crime and promoting security and stability.

The Cabinet approved the 31-article draft decree-law on February 10, 2026, and the legislation was published in the Official Gazette in mid-March. It aims to strengthen family protection while safeguarding justice, dignity and stability.