Kuwait Introduces New Rules For Domestic Violence Protection Teams

Kuwait has introduced new regulations governing the exercise of judicial control powers by qualified employees of the Protection Centers Department, strengthening procedures for responding to domestic violence while protecting the privacy and rights of victims.

 

Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah announced the issuance of a ministerial decision setting out the rules and procedures for employees of the Protection Centers Department at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs to exercise judicial control powers. The decision implements Decree Law No. 11 of 2026 on protection from domestic violence.

 

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Huwailah said the decision was designed to enable legally and socially qualified Kuwaiti personnel to protect vulnerable groups, monitor domestic violence cases and respond to them promptly within a framework based on justice, confidentiality and integrity.

 

Under the new rules, employees granted judicial authority must be Kuwaiti citizens of good character and reputation and provide a recent criminal record. They must also hold at least a bachelor’s degree in psychological counselling, social counselling or law.

 

Applicants are required to complete specialised training in co-ordination with the Kuwait Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies. After successfully completing the course, they must take the legal oath before the head of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs before assuming their duties.

 

The authorised employees will have powers intended to help protect victims and ensure that cases are dealt with promptly. These include monitoring domestic violence cases, inspecting locations they are legally authorised to enter, documenting observations and information in official reports, requesting relevant documents, preserving evidence and referring reports to the competent authorities without delay.

 

The decision also establishes restrictions on how these powers may be exercised. Authorised employees are prohibited from using their position or influence for personal gain or interfering in family relationships beyond the scope of their official duties.

 

They are also barred from making media statements or publishing photographs that could disclose the identities of victims. The restrictions are intended to protect the privacy of individuals involved in domestic violence cases.

 

Employees must immediately withdraw from handling a case and inform their direct supervisor if circumstances arise that could create a suspected conflict of interest involving any party connected with the incident. The requirement is aimed at maintaining neutrality and objectivity in the handling of cases.

 

Strict confidentiality is also required in relation to all data, correspondence and documents connected with domestic violence cases. The obligation continues even after an employee leaves the service.

 

The relevant department will prepare an annual statistical report to evaluate the protection system and identify practical challenges in its implementation. The report must not include information that could disclose the identities of victims.

 

Al-Huwailah said the decision marked an important step towards institutionalising social and legal work in Kuwait and creating a secure legal framework to protect the dignity of families and their members, particularly children, women, older people and people with disabilities.