The Saudi Arabian government has approved a law banning domestic abuse against women, children and domestic workers
The ban was approved by the Council of Ministers on 26 August, according to the Saudi Gazette.
The new law bans all kinds of abuse including physical, psychological and sexual, as well as the threat of abuse. Those found guilty could face up to a year in prison or fines of up to SR 50,000 (£8,400).
Although Amnesty International welcomed the new law, spokesperson Neil Durkin told Positive News that the wording is limited and vague. “The law falls far short of international standards in protecting victims of domestic abuse, who are disproportionately women and girls, from all forms of discrimination and violence,” he said. However, he added: “It is at least a first step in tackling the issue of domestic violence in the Kingdom.”
