UAE warning: Jail for physical, emotional, sexual or economic abuse

Dubai - The punishment ranges from up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to Dh5,000.

Anyone found guilty of domestic violence in the UAE will be sentenced to up to six months in prison and/or fined up to Dh5,000, the Federal Public Prosecution has warned.

The authority issued a reminder on its social media channels on Wednesday, citing Article 9 (1) of the Federal Decree - Law No.10 of 2019 concerning Protection from Domestic Violence.

According to this law, whoever commits any domestic violence acts provided for in Article 5 of the law 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".

The acts of domestic violence covered by Article 5 are physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and economic abuse.

The Public Prosecution further elaborated on how the law defines these acts of abuse.

>> 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.

The authority further clarified that these are without prejudice to any more severe penalty provided for in any other law.

• Dubai