10 Legal Measures to Protect Families from Domestic Violence in Kuwait

Domestic violence is one of the most pressing social issues affecting families worldwide, and Kuwait is no exception. It undermines the stability of households, damages the psychological well-being of victims, and erodes the cohesion of society at large. Recognizing the gravity of this phenomenon, Kuwait has taken significant legal and institutional steps to combat domestic violence and safeguard family members. This article presents ten key legal measures adopted in Kuwait, analyzes their effectiveness, and highlights the challenges that remain.

1. Enactment of the Family Protection Law (Law No. 16 of 2020)

The cornerstone of Kuwait’s legal framework against domestic violence is the Family Protection Law, passed in August 2020. This pioneering legislation criminalizes all forms of domestic abuse—physical, psychological, sexual, and financial—and provides victims with mechanisms to report incidents and seek protection.

2. Establishment of Safe Shelters

The law mandates the creation of safe shelters for victims. These facilities offer immediate refuge, medical care, and psychological support, ensuring that survivors are removed from harmful environments and given a chance to recover in safety.

3. Issuance of Protection Orders

Victims can request temporary protection orders from the courts, which restrict abusers from contacting or approaching them. These orders serve as a legal shield, preventing repeated assaults and offering victims a sense of security.

4. Creation of the Victim Support Fund

In 2023, executive regulations established a dedicated fund to support victims of domestic violence. This fund provides financial assistance for housing, healthcare, and rehabilitation, helping survivors rebuild their lives and regain independence.

5. Specialized Family Protection Centers

Kuwait has set up specialized centers that provide integrated services—legal advice, psychological counseling, and medical care. These centers also organize workshops and awareness campaigns to encourage reporting and reduce the stigma surrounding domestic violence.

6. Strengthening Judicial Procedures

The Public Prosecution and judiciary have been given clear mandates to handle domestic violence cases with sensitivity and urgency. Courts now issue rulings that emphasize deterrence, with conviction rates reaching approximately 75% in recent years.

7. Abolition of Article 159 of the Penal Code

In 2025, Kuwait repealed Article 159, which previously allowed reduced sentences for mothers who killed newborns “out of shame.” This amendment reinforced the sanctity of life and signaled a shift toward stricter accountability, regardless of cultural justifications.

8. Awareness and Prevention Campaigns

Legal measures are complemented by nationwide awareness campaigns. Media outlets, schools, and mosques disseminate information about victims’ rights, reporting mechanisms, and the importance of rejecting harmful cultural norms such as “concealment” or “shame.”

9. Collaboration with Civil Society Organizations

Civil society plays a vital role in bridging gaps between law and practice. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and local women’s groups have welcomed Kuwait’s reforms but continue to advocate for stronger enforcement, more shelters, and better training for law enforcement officers.

10. Training and Capacity Building for Law Enforcement

Police officers, prosecutors, and judges are increasingly receiving specialized training to handle domestic violence cases. This training emphasizes sensitivity to victims’ psychological needs and ensures that cases are processed efficiently and fairly.

Causes and Social Impact

Domestic violence in Kuwait stems from multiple factors: economic pressures, cultural traditions that normalize aggression, lack of legal awareness, and psychological disorders. Its impact is profound: family breakdown, increased crime rates, long-term trauma for children, and economic costs related to healthcare and legal disputes.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite these advances, several challenges persist:

• Victims’ withdrawal of complaints under family or societal pressure.
• Social stigma that discourages reporting.
• Insufficient resources, with shelters and support services still limited.
• Need for broader legislative reform, particularly in personal status laws, to complement the Family Protection Law.

Recommendations for the Future

To strengthen Kuwait’s fight against domestic violence, the following steps are recommended:

• Expand the number and capacity of shelters.
• Provide long-term psychological and financial support for survivors.
• Intensify training for law enforcement and judicial personnel.
• Integrate family protection themes into school curricula.
• Encourage civil society initiatives through grants and partnerships.

Domestic violence is not an inevitable fate but a preventable social ill. Kuwait has made commendable progress through the enactment of Law No. 16 of 2020, the establishment of shelters, protection orders, and victim support funds, as well as the abolition of outdated legal provisions. Yet the true test lies in implementation—ensuring that victims are empowered to report abuse, that resources are sufficient, and that cultural barriers are dismantled.

Protecting families requires collective effort: government institutions, civil society, educational systems, and individuals must all play their part. By strengthening legal measures and fostering a culture of respect and equality, Kuwait can build a safer society where every family member lives with dignity and security.