WUNRN
http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/660366
Saudi Arabia – New Domestic Violence
Laws to Take Effect December 23
Saudi Arabia – November 15, 2014 - A judicial source has
disclosed that the new domestic violence laws will take effect from the
beginning of Rabi Al-Awwal (Dec. 23). The Council has examined a draft of the
domestic violence law and has since finalized its text, confirmed the source.
The source said that the new text of the law pays full attention to violence
against women, noting that the majority of domestic violence cases that are
monitored by the Ministries of Justice and Social Affairs were against women,
according to statistics.
The source said the new system incorporates a role for police by forcing them
to respond to phone calls and complaints without any precondition.
The new law represents a major step forward in the modernity of the legislation
concerning the protection of women, children and other vulnerable groups. He
noted that the new system is compatible with international laws and agreements
relating to domestic violence, as well as fundamental women’s and human rights.
Under the new law, social security protection is offered to those who report
cases of violence without revealing their identity. Also offered will be access
to assistance, treatment, accommodation and social, psychological and physical
health care for victims. The law also imposes penalties and sanctions against
abusers.
The Kingdom’s courts dealt with 454 cases of violence against women in the past
year, with Makkah taking the lead at 314 cases, followed by Eastern Province,
Riyadh. Courts in Najran and Al-Jouf did not report any case of violence
against women.
The number of registered cases of violence against women was 234 cases
involving Saudis versus 220 cases for non-Saudis.
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