The UAE is pacing ahead in its fight against the rise in rates of domestic violence, an issue prevalent in the country as it is in the Arab world.
This week, the country introduced new jail terms and restraining orders aimed at tackling domestic abuse in all its forms, and focused on "protecting families from intimidation and threats." Under the now-passed rules, local judges and prosecutors can pass orders banning abusive spouses from approaching or stalking their families, something that wasn't possible under existing laws.
This will play a huge role in protecting victims. The legislation can stop a husband or wife convicted of harassment or assault from approaching their partners once they serve time for offenses or pay fines related to abuse charges.
"How can we protect the victim without such an order? It will help prevent violence from escalating. Violence as a behavior can develop from abusive words to abusive acts of physical assault and even murder," Afra Al Basti, director general of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) explained.
The latest measure comes in line with a series of legal changes recently passed by the UAE Cabinet. It's also part of the Family Protection Policy launched by Dubai's Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum last month. At the time, the leader said the directive will allow for the creation of a database featuring all local institutions working to help protect victims of domestic violence across the country.
This step aims to boost the safety of people at risk of being abused by making it easier for national centers to share information and collaborate. Under the plan, the country is set to create a standardized system through which cases of domestic abuse can be reported.
The changes are much-needed in the country
In 2010, a UAE federal supreme court ruled that a man "had the right to discipline his wife and children provided he did not leave physical marks." At the time, this ruling led to huge backlash from local politicians who started to reconsider domestic abuse laws in the country.
Rulings like these further motivate abusive men because it signals that their abuse will go unpunished.
This can explain the rise in domestic violence cases in the country. Though many of them go unreported due to social norms and stigmas, thousands of brave women have been exposing their abusers in recent years.
A report published by DFWAC in March revealed that 1,027 cases of abuse were reported in 2018 within a single shelter center. The figures involved victims of "domestic violence, child abuse, violence against women and human trafficking."
The number of cases reported by the organization last year saw a drop when compared to 2017 figures, which stood at 1,433 reported cases.
The UAE is no longer tolerating abusers
The UAE has come a long way in its bid to protect women and children from domestic violence, with specific punishments being implemented regarding such cases. These include a maximum six-month jail term and a 5,000-dirham ($1,361) fine, which doubles for repeated offenses.
Though the nation still has no specific anti-domestic violence law in place, its legal system protects women under a series of legislations. The country's laws also now recognize the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of a relative in a domestic context, along with economic abuse.
According to Hassan Mohsen Elhais, a senior partner at Legal Consultants and Al Rowaad Advocates, some of the country's laws clearly state that physical violence isn't acceptable.
"No slapping, no beating, no boxing. These are all crimes. If there is any mark for any length of time – even a few minutes – the woman has the right to get a divorce, custody of her children, expenses, compensation, everything. This is something every woman should know," Elhais said.
A victim of domestic violence can, therefore, sue an abusive husband or partner but must provide evidence of the abuse to win the case. Victims are also encouraged to immediately file a report with police when an assault occurs.