Justice Minister: 36% decline in domestic violence cases over six months

- Cases declined to 646, compared with 1,011 cases during the same period last year

Justice Minister and Counselor Nasser Yousef Al-Samit affirmed the continued decline in domestic violence cases registered with the Public Prosecution, noting that the decrease reached 36% during the first six months of implementing the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence.

Al-Samit explained that Ministry of Justice statistics showed a reduction of 365 cases, with the number dropping to 646 between March 15 and September 13, 2026, compared with 1,011 cases during the same period in 2025.

He stated that the Ministry had previously announced, after the first three months of the law’s implementation, a 33% decrease in cases, which rose to 36% after six months, confirming that the downward trend is sustained and 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 concerning the Protection from Domestic Violence, which provides special protection to the most vulnerable groups within the family by prohibiting the withdrawal of complaints, reconciliation, or pardon in cases of sexual abuse, as well as in domestic violence crimes committed against children, persons lacking or having limited legal capacity, and crimes committed by children against one of their parents.

He noted that the decrease in cases does not mean that efforts have reached their goal, as every case of domestic violence affects the security and stability of the family and requires serious handling. He affirmed the Ministry of Justice’s continued monitoring of indicators and periodic assessment of the impact of legislation.

Al-Samit emphasized that protecting the family is a shared national responsibility, and that the development of legislation will remain linked to its actual outcomes and its ability to protect members of society, reduce crime, and reinforce a sense of security and stability.