UAE: Six month jail, financial fine for acts of domestic violence, warns UAE authority

Dubai: In an awareness message posted by the UAE’s Public Prosecution, citizens and residents were made aware of the penalties related to cases of domestic violence in the UAE.

In the message, posted by the Public Prosecution on its official social media channels, the different acts of violence were also listed, to inform people that violence is not just limited to physical harm. The UAE’s laws cover emotional, sexual as well as economic abuse of a victim.

According to Article 9 (1) of the Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2019 concerning Protection from Domestic Violence, [an individual] shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a maximum period of six months and to a maximum fine of Dh5,000 or either of these two penalties, whoever commits any domestic violence acts provided for in Article 5 of this law, namely:

• Physical abuse: is causing any injury or trauma to the victim by way of bodily contact, even if no marks are left.

• Emotional abuse: is any act or verbal abuse causing emotional distress to the victim.

• Sexual abuse: is any act which constitutes a sexual assault or harassment of the victim, or his/her exploitation by whatever means.

• Economic abuse: means any act which prevents the victim from his/her right or freedom to dispose of his/her property with the intent to cause him/her harm.

Without prejudice to any more severe penalty provided for in any other law.

UAE’s Family Policy

In 2019, the UAE launched the Family Protection Policy, which seeks to strengthen social ties in UAE’s families and communities.

The policy defines family or domestic violence as any abuse, violence or threat committed by a family member against any other family member or individual exceeding his guardianship, jurisdiction, authority or responsibility, resulting in a physical or a psychological harm.

Where can I call? List of authorities to register family violence complaints

If you would like to report an incident of domestic violence, you can reach out to the following authorities according to the UAE’s Ministry of Community Development:

Ministry of Community Development

(For complaints anywhere in the UAE)

Call: 800623

Social Support Centre

Abu Dhabi

Call: 024028263, 024474311, 025673666

Email: socialsupport@adpolice.gov.ae

Social Support Centre

Al Ain

Call: 037151555

Dubai Foundation for Women and Children

Dubai

Call: 8001111, 042870088

help@dfwwac.ae

SMS: 5111

Directorate General of Human Rights

Dubai

Call: 046082660, 042671717

Email: mail@dubaipolice.gov.ae

Al Ameen Service

(For complaints anywhere in the UAE)

Call: 8004888, 042097777

Email: alameen@emi.ae

Social Support Centre

Sharjah

Call: 065488008, 065488118

Email: socialsupport@shjpolice.ae

Social Support Centre

Ajman

Call: 067484844, 067481789, 0508973223

Email: ssc@ajmanpolice.ae

Social Support Centre

Umm Al Quawain

Call: 0569962299, 067670420, 0509994377

Email: uaqssc@moi.gov.ae

Social Support Centre

Fujairah

Call: 092233322, 092051560, 0506909995

General Command line: 092051545

Email: socialsupportcenter@Fujairahh-police.ae

Social Support Centre

Ras Al-Khaimah

Call: 072433550, 072437298

Email: Social.s.c@moi.ae

Aman Call Centre

Call: 8002626

Email: aman@adpolice.gov.ae