15/03/2026
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15/03/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, March 15: Decree- Law No. 11/2026 on protection from domestic violence was published in the official gazette “Kuwait al-Youm” on Sunday. The law establishes a comprehensive legislative framework to strengthen the protection of family members, prevent domestic violence, and repeals Law No. 16/2020. According to the explanatory memorandum, the decree-law reflects the state’s commitment to protecting the family as the cornerstone of society. It also addresses gaps identified in implementing the previous law by introducing legal and procedural tools to ensure effective protection for victims.
The law provides a clear definition of domestic violence in all its forms - physical, psychological, sexual, and financial - and specifies the categories eligible for protection, as well as establishes mechanisms for reporting and early intervention to ensure cases are handled quickly, confidentially, and effectively. The decree-law mandates the formation of a National Committee for Protection from Domestic Violence under the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Information, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as members of the judiciary and civil society.
The committee is tasked with developing general policies to combat domestic violence, reviewing relevant legislation, preparing awareness and training programs, and issuing annual reports on cases and complaints. The decree-law also requires the establishment of shelters for victims of domestic violence, affiliated with the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. Police forces may be called to provide protection, and a fund has been established to support victims of domestic violence and those under their care. The law grants the competent authority broad powers to receive reports, coordinate with security and medical agencies, and take necessary measures to protect victims, including transferring them to hospitals, forensic medicine departments, or specialized centers.
Dispute The competent authority is also empowered to provide psychological and social support and facilitate family dispute resolution according to regulations that prioritize the best interests of the family.
The law establishes a comprehensive system of protection orders, allowing the court to issue urgent measures to safeguard victims while exempting applicants from court fees. The decree-law specifies penalties for acts related to domestic violence. Anyone who coerces a victim into dropping their complaint shall face imprisonment of one week to six months and a fine of up to KD 1,000.
Failure to report cases of violence against children or individuals lacking legal capacity carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to KD 200. Filing a false report of domestic violence is punishable by imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to KD 500. Violating a protection order carries a penalty of one to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of KD 500 to 1,000, with increased penalties if the violation involves an act of domestic violence. Publishing or broadcasting any information about domestic violence cases before, during, or after the verdict is prohibited. Only a summary of the verdict may be published, without mentioning the names or images of the parties involved.
Violators face imprisonment of one to three months and a fine of KD 1,000 to KD 5,000. The decree-law affirms the Public Prosecution’s jurisdiction to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate all crimes specified in the law, while ensuring full confidentiality of proceedings and using identification codes to protect the identities of victims. The Supreme Council for Family Affairs will prepare the implementing regulations within three months.
The decree-law takes effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette.
Penalties:
• Imprisonment of one week to six months and a fine of up to 1,000 dinars for anyone who forces a victim to withdraw their complaint.
• Imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 200 dinars for failing to report cases of violence against children or persons lacking legal capacity.
• Imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to 500 dinars for submitting a false report of domestic violence.
• Imprisonment of one to three months and a fine of 500 to 1,000 dinars for violating a protection order.
By Jaber Al-Hamoud Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
