New UAE Domestic Violence Law: Fines Up to Dh50,000 and Greater Protection for Victims

The UAE has introduced a new domestic violence law aimed at providing stronger protection for victims while imposing stricter penalties on offenders. Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024, which came into effect on September 10, introduces a comprehensive legal framework targeting various forms of abuse—physical, psychological, sexual, and financial.

Under the new law, individuals convicted of domestic violence face imprisonment and/or fines of up to Dh50,000. Additionally, those who fail to report cases of abuse may be fined between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000, and filing false reports carries the same penalty. Stricter penalties apply if the victim belongs to a vulnerable group, such as parents of the offender, the elderly, pregnant women, children, individuals with disabilities, or incapacitated persons. Repeat offenses within a year will also lead to aggravated penalties.

 

Protection for Vulnerable Groups

The law expands protections for vulnerable individuals and categorizes them as requiring heightened safety measures. Nikhat Sardar Khan, head of corporate and DIFC litigation at Hilal & Associates, noted that the previous law (Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2019) did not fully address the complexities of domestic violence. The new decree aims to fill those gaps, offering more robust legal, emotional, and physical support for victims.

 

Protection Orders and Support Measures

The law allows courts to issue protection orders, valid for up to 30 days, with the possibility of extending them twice for additional 30-day periods. Protection orders may prohibit the offender from contacting the victim, approaching their residence or workplace, or harming their property. Victims may also be placed in shelters or with relatives, and perpetrators may be ordered to provide financial support, including medical expenses. Additionally, offenders could be required to attend rehabilitation and counseling.

Any violation of a protection order carries a fine between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000, with more severe penalties if the violation involves violence. In such cases, offenders face a minimum of six months' imprisonment or a fine ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh100,000.

 

Mandatory Reporting and Confidentiality

The law mandates that anyone aware of domestic violence, including family members, healthcare providers, educators, and community members, must report it. Those reporting incidents can remain anonymous unless judicial proceedings require disclosure. Cases of physical or sexual violence must be reported directly to the police for further legal action.

Authorities handling domestic violence cases must collect statements from all involved parties in a confidential and supportive environment and document the incidents in writing, audio, or visual formats. The law also ensures that victims are referred to healthcare facilities when necessary, and a comprehensive report is submitted to the Public Prosecution for criminal proceedings or reconciliation.

 

Comparison to the Previous Law

The 2024 law represents a significant advancement in the UAE’s approach to domestic violence. Compared to the previous law, it includes more severe penalties, expands protections for vulnerable groups, and introduces clearer procedures for issuing protective orders. Rehabilitation for offenders is now compulsory, and specialized judicial circuits will handle domestic violence cases more quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, the new law expands the definition of domestic violence to cover not only physical and psychological abuse but also sexual and financial exploitation. It also mandates the creation of an electronic register for recording domestic violence cases, improving data sharing among authorities for better enforcement.

In summary, Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 strengthens the legal framework for addressing domestic violence by introducing harsher penalties, providing comprehensive protections for victims, and addressing gaps in previous legislation.

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