Domestic violence is a quite serious problem among individuals in most regions of the globe, including the UAE. Even though the UAE is thought to have an efficient system of law and a favourable attitude to safety, the victims of violence at home might not comprehend how they were supposed to report and justify their cases.

This guide will offer a comprehensive overview to enable you to act in case you or your acquaintance is one of the victims of domestic violence.

What is Domestic Violence?

Family violence describes violence where violence may be physical, verbal, mental or emotional, financial manipulation, or sexual punishment in an interpersonal relationship or family unit. Familiarisation with these forms of abuse is essential in a bid to combat them through knowledge and power.

Types of Domestic Violence

Physical Abuse: Physical injury or giving the person a bodily injury, physical assault.
Emotional Abuse: This includes processes of threatening to harm, manipulating, and engaging in psychological abuse.
Financial Abuse: Socio-economic factors; limitation or regulation of assets.
Sexual Abuse: Physical violence or threats of physical force or Physical attack.
Psychological Abuse: These are: bullying, threatening, or even isolating the target.

The UAE-Based Laws on Domestic Violence

The UAE has measures in place that guarantee the security of its citizens, with many legal stipulations protecting those who are victims of domestic violence. License and rights: Knowing your rights is an important first step.

Federal Law No. 10 of 2019

Protection of the victims of domestic violence: On 3rd September, the UAE adopted a Federal Law No. 10, which regulates the domain of domestic violence and the protection of its victims.
Legal Definitions: In this law, domestic violence is stated in the form of physical, psychological, and economic abuse.
Protective Measures: A Protection order can be applied by the victims, and the criminal court can be used to charge the perpetrators.

UAE Penal Code Provisions

Penalties of Physical Assault: The Act of physical violence against a spouse or a family member is punishable with imprisonment and fines.
Psychological Harm: Physical assault and threat, as well as verbal aggression, are also permissible in terms of the UAE Penal Code.

Recognizing the Signs of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence knowledge is critical towards understanding when a person should intervene, whether on his or her part or that of a friend.

Physical and Behavioral Signs

Physical Signs: Visibility of Injuries, wounds, cuts, and broken bones having no explanation.
Behavioral Signs: withdrawal, being scared, and a change in personality or appearance.
Financial Control Signs: No immediate source of individual income and assets.
Emotional and Psychological: Anxiety or depression, or low self-esteem.

Domestic Violence Reporting in the UAE

When you suspect domestic violence or you are a victim of it, you must know how the reporting process works.

Contacting the Police

Call Emergency Services: In case of an emergency, that’s if there is an imminent threat, call the police on 999.
Submit a Complaint: You can visit the most nearby police station to report the matter.

Reporting Through Dedicated Channels

Dubai Foundation Women and Children (DFWC): They provide the service of a 24/7 helpline (800-111) to victims.
Ministry of Interior: Submit online via the portal of the ministry and seek anonymity where necessary.

Protection Orders

Requesting a Protection Order: The victims can seek an order for protection against the abuser from getting closer to them.
Court Assistance: Courts may issue these orders, prohibiting the abuser from contacting or approaching the victim.

How to Seek Legal Assistance

Legal aid is necessary to consider when it comes to restraining, or filing about domestic violence, as well as to address safety issues.

Finding a Legal Representative

Legal Aid Services: Some organizations and law firms provide their services without any fee for domestic violence cases.
Lawyers Specializing in Domestic Abuse Cases: Searching for a lawyer who knows the legislation in domestic abuse cases can be greatly beneficial.

Filing a Civil or Criminal Case

Criminal Case for Assault or Abuse: The overwhelming majority of domestic violence cases may go to trial criminally, and in particular cases with simple assaults.
Civil Case for Restraining Orders: Victims may also pursue civil cases for long-term protective measures.

Resources and Support Services Available

In some of the organizations in the UAE, domestic violence victims are supported.

Governmental Support

Dubai-Foundation Women and Children (DFWC): Shelters, counseling services, and legal services are included in this category.
Ewa’a Shelters for Women and Children: Generating shelter, meals, refreshment, and psycho-social counseling is available.

Non-Governmental Organizations

Red Crescent Society: Conducts humanitarian aid to human beings in an emergency.
Local Community Support Groups: The latter offer members statistics, brochures, counseling, and support to the victims.

Psychological Support and Counseling

Domestic violence goes against the bodily integrity of people involved and has an impact on their psychology. Seeking support from a specialist may be one of the key factors in the process of healing.

Importance of Counseling Services

Counseling: This activity would help work through the emotional effects of abuse on the victim.
Rekindling Self-esteem: Therapy counselling helps to rebuild self-esteem and emotional power.

Accessing Therapy in the UAE

Licensed Counseling Centers: Most of them have counseling services in English and Arabic for both the international and the nationals.
Online Therapy Options: In case a victim feels unsafe attending a physical counseling session, some organizations also offer online services.

Safety Planning for Victims

In a domestic violence situation, it can be quite useful to create a safety plan to avoid further abuse.

Create a Personal Safety Plan

Emergency Contacts: State the identities of those who can help.
Exit Plan: Find one area in your house where it is safe to go and design an alternate route of escape.
Pack the necessities: get all personal contents of identification, small cash, and essential documents in an emergency kit.

Online Safety

Safe Online Communication: Employ encrypted chat services and clear your chat logs to avoid discovery.
Limit Social Media Sharing: Be concerned about the place tags and posted information on social media.

What to Expect After Reporting Domestic Violence

The actions you take once a report of domestic violence is received may be discussed so that you feel supported.

Investigation and Legal Process

Police Investigation: The police will then investigate by interviewing the victim and the person who is accused.
Legal proceedings: Cases may be taken to court to be put to a test of evidence, and a legal judgment may be made.

Possible Outcomes

Protection Orders: This is an order that seals off the distance between the abuser and the victim.
Imprisonment or Fine: In drastic situations, the accused may be fined or imprisoned.

How to help a friend or family suffering domestic violence

A woman having her hand on her mouth with help written on it

Whether it is your friends, relatives, or acquaintances, your support can help significantly.

Knowing When to Intervene

Learning Warning Signs: Learn some of the behavioral and physical characteristics that could signal abuse.
Show Privacy Respect: Keep the topic sensitive and do not coerce them to support.

Offering Practical Support

Listen Without Judgment: Let them be able to share without being judged.
Promote Professional Assistance: Advise them to call a professional help, legal counseling, or assistance services.

Usual Issues with Reporting of Domestic Violence

Certain obstacles might deter the victims from doing so; it is through the solution of these obstacles that persons can become empowered and report.

Fear of Retaliation

Safety Fears: Most victims are worried about the abuse of their abuser; however, protection orders are created to curb these concerns.
Community Support: It is important to encourage the victims to turn to their friends and relatives in an effort to get more protection.

Cultural and Societal Stigmas

Breaking the Silence: Cultural stigma may make people reluctant to speak out, but there are organizations capable of handling victims anonymously.
Empowerment by way of education: Education of communities on domestic violence creates favorable conditions.

FAQs:

Are there protection orders against domestic violence?

Yes. Victims may seek a protection order issued by the court that legally prohibits the abuser from getting in contact with or approaching them.

Does the UAE offer shelters to domestic violence victims?

Yes. DFWC and Ewa Shelters offer women and children a secure place to stay, legal assistance, and even counseling.

What help can be offered to the emotional abuse?

Victims may use licensed counseling facilities, online therapy, and other forms of psychological support through such organizations as DFWC and Ewa.

What will follow my reporting of domestic violence?

The case can be taken to court as police are likely to investigate. Possible penalties could include a fine, imprisonment, or a protection order against the victim.

Final Words:

Domestic violence is a challenge that is treated with some trepidation and mystery; some jurisdictions and protocols are available to assist these victims. It could be a person to talk to, it could be education on how to use the law, it could even be emotional support, but all of this is towards safety and recovery. Be sure of the information and take action in case you know or you yourself are in need. One should keep in mind not to do this alone, and help is available.