Domestic violence cases plunge 36% in six months: Al-Sumait

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 27, 2026

Kuwait's Public Prosecution recorded a 36 percent drop in domestic violence cases during the first six months after the Domestic Violence Protection Law took effect, with reported incidents falling from 1,011 to 646. This sustained decline, attributed to stronger legal protections under the 2026 law, highlights ongoing efforts to safeguard vulnerable family members and stabilize society.

Domestic violence cases registered with Kuwait's Public Prosecution decreased by 36 percent during the first six months following the implementation of the Domestic Violence Protection Law, Justice Minister Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait announced on Saturday. The decline was noted between March 15 and September 13, 2026, with reported cases dropping to 646 from 1,011 during the same period the previous year, marking a reduction of 365 cases.

This reduction builds on an earlier reported 33 percent decrease during the initial three months of the law's enforcement, indicating a sustained downward trend. Al-Sumait attributed the decline to the impact of Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026, which provides enhanced protection for vulnerable family members by prohibiting waivers, reconciliation, or pardons in certain cases of domestic and sexual abuse. The law specifically covers cases involving sexual abuse, violence against children, individuals lacking legal capacity, those with diminished legal capacity, and crimes committed by children against parents.

Despite the positive trend, the minister stressed that the decline does not signify that the domestic violence issue has been fully resolved. He emphasized that every case threatens family stability and demands ongoing, serious attention. Al-Sumait reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continuously monitoring relevant indicators and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the legislation.

“Protecting the family is a shared national responsibility,” Al-Sumait stated, noting that future legislative efforts would be guided by the law’s practical outcomes in reducing crime, protecting society’s members, and promoting overall security and stability.

The Cabinet approved the draft decree-law on February 10, 2026, and it was subsequently published in the Official Gazette in mid-March. The legislation consists of 31 articles aimed at strengthening family protection, safeguarding the rights and dignity of family members, and fostering a secure environment that supports family and societal stability.

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