Road Map to Tackle Domestic Abuse Cases
A road map drawn up following a study suggests that judges can be referred to directly in dealing with the growing cases of domestic violence in the Kingdom. The Supreme Judicial Council has submitted a report to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for review.
A total of 2,750 domestic violence cases were recorded in the Kingdom in 1434 AH, according to the National Society for Human Rights.
The independent and extensive study, carried out by a committee, includes information on the causes of violence, relationship between courts and government agencies concerned. Sources say the committee appealed to local and foreign experts, as well as governmental and non-governmental bodies, to find ways to address the issue.
The committee’s recommendations include developing standardized mechanisms to deal with cases of abuse in all forms and providing additional protection for women and children if there is suspicion of abuse.
In addition to working with government agencies involved in such cases, the committee formed several working groups to find a mechanism, such as the General Authority for Social Protection at the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Family Safety Protection in the National Guard.
“The system is in response to the directives by the Royal Court to the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Council of Magistracy to study domestic violence cases and the state’s procedures in the courts that aim to protect vulnerable groups from such violence,” said sources.
The regulations will be circulated among all judges upon approval.
Legal experts and judges have hailed the study as a significant step toward protection of women, children and vulnerable groups from violence.