Although Kuwait issued a law in late 2020 regarding domestic violence, the numbers revealed by courts still sound the alarm about the increase in domestic violence crimes in the country.
A recent statistics from the Public Prosecution, a copy of which have been obtained by Al-Qabas daily, revealed that 779 new cases related to domestic violence were registered in the related court during 9 months from the beginning of this year until the first of last October.
These numbers ring alarm bells, because they mean that a crime of “domestic violence” is recorded in the country every 12 hours, and this means this phenomenon needs to be studied in depth and find solutions before it is too late to protect the Kuwaiti families.
A legal source told the daily that the issuance of the law against domestic violence in Kuwait is a positive step, but it does not prevent it from occurring, especially since the executive regulations of the aforementioned law were not issued until the current year, that is, more than two years after the law was issued, which made it just ink on paper and rendered it inactive in the real sense.
The source pointed out that many cases before the courts often end in small financial fines, which are not commensurate with the loss of effort, time, and money spent on hiring lawyers to plead in these cases.
According to the source, the phenomenon, which requires the solidarity of all parties to confront and eliminate it, necessitates the preparation of a comprehensive study that includes its various aspects, and concludes with developing recommendations that serve as a roadmap for implementation by those concerned.
This highlights the need for a detailed analysis of the issue. It is crucial to understand the underlying causes and factors contributing to the rise in domestic violence cases. By conducting a comprehensive study, Kuwait can gain valuable insights into the various aspects of this problem and develop effective solutions.
Further emphasizing the urgency, the Attorney General, Counselor Saad Al-Safran, stated on November 8 that every necessary measure must be taken to ensure the protection of the Kuwaiti family and the future of the children and youth of Kuwait. He stressed the importance of developing a solid plan to address the significant increase in the number of cases that strain the bonds of kinship, brotherhood, and lineage.
In line with this, the Public Prosecution recently held a meeting with representatives from the Ministries of Interior and Social Affairs to coordinate efforts and develop a comprehensive plan and practical program to implement the executive mechanism of the Domestic Violence Law and its regulations.
By bringing together relevant authorities, Kuwait aims to create a united front against domestic violence. This collaborative approach will help streamline efforts and ensure a coordinated response to effectively address this pressing issue.
It is crucial for Kuwait to prioritize the protection of its citizens and take immediate action to combat domestic violence. The implementation of the executive regulations, along with a comprehensive study and the development of practical solutions, will play a vital role in curbing the alarming increase in domestic violence cases.
By actively addressing this issue, Kuwait can create a safer environment for its families, strengthen the bonds of kinship, and safeguard the well-being of its children and youth.
Source: TimesKuwait
