Al-Sameet: Continued Decline in Domestic Violence Cases

Justice Minister and Legal Advisor Nasser Al-Sameet confirmed the continued decline in domestic violence cases registered with the Public Prosecution, noting a 36% reduction during the first six months of implementing the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence. Al-Sameet explained that statistics from the Ministry of Justice showed a decrease of 365 cases, with the number dropping to 646 cases between March 15 and September 13, 2026, compared to 1,011 cases during the same period in 2025. He stated that the Ministry had previously announced a 33% drop in cases after the first three months of the law’s implementation, which then reached 36% after six months, confirming the sustained downward trend and demonstrating that it was not limited to the initial months. He added that this decline is a clear indicator of the impact of Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026 on Protection from Domestic Violence, which affords special protection to categories most vulnerable to abuse within the family, by prohibiting the withdrawal of complaints, settlement, or pardon in cases of sexual abuse and in domestic violence crimes committed against children, persons lacking legal capacity, or those with diminished capacity, as well as crimes committed by children against one of their parents. He pointed out that the decrease in cases does not mean that efforts have reached their goal, as every case of domestic violence affects family security and stability and requires serious handling, emphasizing the Ministry of Justice’s continued monitoring of indicators and periodic assessment of the impact of legislation. Al-Sameet stressed that protecting the family is a shared national responsibility, and that legislative development will remain linked to actual outcomes and the ability to protect members of society, curb crime, and reinforce a sense of security and stability.