New Domestic Violence Law in Kuwait 2026: Penalties, Protection Orders, and Victims’ Rights

The New Domestic Violence Law in Kuwait 2026 is an important piece of legislation designed to protect family members from physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse while strengthening the legal rights of domestic violence victims.

Kuwait introduced Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026 concerning Protection Against Domestic Violence, establishing a legal framework for reporting domestic abuse, obtaining protection orders, supporting victims, and imposing penalties for violations of protective measures.

The legislation aims to strengthen family protection, improve legal procedures, and ensure that victims can access appropriate legal assistance.

In this comprehensive guide, Ineqad Law Firm and Legal Consultancy in Kuwait explains the key provisions of Kuwait's new domestic violence legislation, applicable penalties, complaint procedures, protection orders, women's and children's rights, and the role of domestic violence lawyers.

What Is the New Domestic Violence Law in Kuwait 2026?

The new domestic violence legislation is Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026 concerning Protection Against Domestic Violence, issued on March 8, 2026, published in the Official Gazette on March 15, 2026, and effective from its publication date.

The law aims to protect family members against different forms of domestic abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, and financial violence.

It also introduces procedures intended to prevent repeated abuse and provide legal protection to affected individuals.

The main objectives of the law include:

Protecting family members against violence and threats.
Regulating procedures for reporting domestic violence.
Allowing victims to request protection orders.
Providing social, psychological, and legal assistance.
Strengthening government efforts to combat domestic abuse.
Imposing penalties for violating protection orders.
Protecting the confidentiality of reports and the rights of complainants.
Regulating family dispute settlements where legally permitted.

The legislation represents an important development in Kuwait's family protection framework by combining preventive measures, judicial protection, and legal accountability.

What Types of Domestic Violence Are Covered Under Kuwaiti Law?

Domestic violence under Kuwaiti legislation may involve several forms of abuse committed within family relationships.

The law does not limit domestic violence to physical assault.

1. Physical Domestic Violence

Physical violence refers to acts that cause bodily harm to a family member.

Examples include:

Physical assault and beating.
Causing injuries or wounds.
Using physical force against a family member.
Acts threatening the physical safety of spouses or children.

Criminal penalties depend on the circumstances and seriousness of the offense under applicable Kuwaiti criminal legislation.

2. Psychological Domestic Violence

Psychological abuse may involve conduct that causes emotional harm, intimidation, or threats when the relevant legal requirements are satisfied.

Examples include:

Repeated threats.
Intimidation and harassment.
Humiliation and degrading treatment.
Harmful psychological pressure.
Threatening to harm family members.

Whether particular conduct constitutes a criminal offense depends on the circumstances, available evidence, and applicable legal provisions.

3. Sexual Domestic Violence

Sexual domestic violence involves acts of sexual abuse or assault occurring within family relationships covered by the law.

Penalties for conduct constituting sexual offenses are determined under the applicable provisions of Kuwaiti criminal law.

4. Financial Domestic Violence

Financial abuse may involve unlawful conduct affecting a family member's financial rights or using money as a means of control or harm.

Examples may include:

Unlawful appropriation of financial assets.
Financial intimidation.
Unlawful interference with property rights.
Financial conduct intended to cause harm.

However, not every financial disagreement between family members constitutes domestic violence.

The legal classification depends on the facts and whether the statutory requirements are met.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Kuwait in 2026?

Penalties for domestic violence in Kuwait vary depending on the nature of the offense, its seriousness, and whether the conduct involves violating a protection order.

Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026 establishes specific penalties for violating protection orders and submitting false domestic violence reports.

Domestic Violence Penalties in Kuwait

Violation	Legal Penalty
Violating a protection order	Imprisonment from one to three months and a fine ranging from KWD 500 to KWD 1,000, or either penalty
Violating a protection order while committing domestic violence against a protected person	Imprisonment from three to six months and a fine ranging from KWD 1,000 to KWD 2,000, or either penalty
Knowingly submitting a false domestic violence report	Imprisonment for up to two years and a fine not exceeding KWD 500, or either penalty
Physical assault, sexual assault, or other criminal acts	Penalties determined under the Kuwaiti Penal Code and other applicable legislation

Important Legal Notice: Penalties for violating protection orders should not be confused with penalties for domestic violence offenses themselves. More serious conduct may carry heavier penalties under other criminal laws.

How to File a Domestic Violence Complaint in Kuwait

Individuals experiencing domestic violence may report incidents to the competent authorities.

The reporting process generally involves the following steps.

Step 1: Contact the Relevant Authorities

A domestic violence complaint may be submitted to:

The local police station.
The competent investigative authority.
The relevant domestic violence protection department.

Where there is an immediate threat to personal safety, obtaining urgent police assistance should take priority.

Step 2: Provide Details of the Incident

The complaint should contain relevant information, including:

The complainant's personal details.
The family relationship between the parties.
A description of the alleged abuse.
The date and location of the incident.
Information identifying the alleged offender, where available.
Supporting documents and evidence.

Step 3: Submit Supporting Evidence

Evidence can help establish the circumstances of domestic violence.

Relevant evidence may include:

Medical reports.
Threatening text messages.
Photographs of injuries.
Witness statements.
Previous police reports.
Lawfully obtained electronic evidence.

The admissibility and evidentiary value of these materials depend on the applicable legal rules and the assessment of the competent authorities.

Step 4: Request Legal Protection

If domestic violence presents a risk to personal safety, the affected person may request a protection order in accordance with the procedures established by law.

Step 5: Follow Up on Legal Proceedings

The competent authorities may investigate the complaint and take appropriate legal measures.

A qualified lawyer can assist with preparing legal applications, reviewing evidence, and representing the affected party during relevant proceedings.

What Is a Domestic Violence Protection Order in Kuwait?

A domestic violence protection order is a legal measure issued by a competent authority to protect individuals exposed to domestic abuse.

Article 13 of Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026 provides for applications for urgent protection orders before the competent court where a serious threat exists to the victim's life, health, or safety.

The Public Prosecution may also issue a protection order in a case under its consideration following an application by the victim.

What Can a Protection Order Include?

Depending on the circumstances and applicable legal provisions, protective measures may include:

Prohibiting the alleged offender from approaching or threatening the victim.
Restricting contact with protected family members.
Preventing damage to the victim's property.
Imposing other legally authorized protective measures.

The specific restrictions depend on the circumstances of the case and the decision of the competent authority.

Can a Protection Order Be Challenged?

Yes. The law allows protection measures to be challenged before the competent court.

An application may also be made to amend or cancel an order where legally relevant circumstances justify doing so.

Article 14 provides an exemption from judicial fees and expenses associated with protection applications.

Does Kuwait's New Domestic Violence Law Protect Wives?

Yes. Wives experiencing domestic violence may receive protection under Kuwaiti law when the relevant legal requirements are satisfied.

A wife subjected to physical assault, threats, or other legally recognized forms of domestic violence may pursue appropriate legal remedies.

These may include:

Filing a domestic violence complaint.
Applying for a protection order.
Submitting evidence of abuse.
Pursuing applicable legal rights.
Consulting a domestic violence lawyer.
Initiating family court proceedings where legally justified.

Can a Wife Request Divorce Because of Domestic Violence in Kuwait?

Domestic violence may provide grounds for judicial separation or divorce based on harm under the applicable Kuwaiti Personal Status Law.

However, the outcome depends on the circumstances, supporting evidence, and the legal requirements governing the marriage.

A wife may need to initiate separate proceedings before the Family Court to seek judicial separation or other family law remedies.

Does Kuwait's Domestic Violence Law Protect Children?

Yes. Kuwait's domestic violence legislation aims to protect family members covered by the law, including children.

Protecting children is particularly important because physical and psychological abuse can affect their safety, health, and development.

Examples of conduct that may require legal intervention include:

Physical assault against children.
Psychological intimidation.
Sexual abuse.
Exposure to domestic violence.
Other harmful conduct prohibited under applicable legislation.

The Domestic Violence Protection Law operates alongside other Kuwaiti legislation protecting children's rights, including Law No. 21 of 2015 concerning Children's Rights.

Is Reconciliation Possible in Domestic Violence Cases in Kuwait?

The new law regulates procedures for resolving certain family disputes.

However, reconciliation is not automatically available or legally effective in every domestic violence case.

Article 8 allows applications for settlement to be submitted to the relevant department before approaching the police or competent investigative authorities, subject to statutory conditions.

The department may examine the dispute, hear the parties, and seek assistance from social, psychological, and legal specialists.

Nevertheless, reconciliation is subject to legal restrictions and does not necessarily terminate criminal liability.

Individuals should obtain legal advice before signing any settlement agreement or withdrawing a complaint.

Can Domestic Violence Be Reported Confidentially in Kuwait?

The law establishes safeguards intended to protect individuals reporting domestic violence and preserve the confidentiality of their identities.

Article 11 addresses the obligation to report known or witnessed incidents of domestic violence to the authorities specified by law.

It also provides legal protection for individuals submitting reports, subject to applicable legal procedures.

However, confidentiality does not necessarily mean that the accused person will remain unaware of the complaint throughout an investigation or court proceedings.

Can a Domestic Violence Complaint Be Withdrawn in Kuwait?

The legal consequences of withdrawing a domestic violence complaint depend on the nature of the alleged offense and the stage of the proceedings.

Certain criminal offenses may continue to be investigated or prosecuted even after the complainant expresses a desire to withdraw the complaint.

Existing protection orders and ongoing investigations may also require decisions from the competent authorities.

Therefore, individuals should understand the legal consequences before signing a withdrawal or settlement agreement, particularly in cases involving serious violence or continuing threats.

What Is the Difference Between Kuwait's Old and New Domestic Violence Laws?

Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026 replaced Law No. 16 of 2020 concerning Protection Against Domestic Violence.

The new legislation updates the legal framework and strengthens procedures for protecting victims.

Comparison of Kuwait's Domestic Violence Laws

Legal Aspect	Law No. 16 of 2020	Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026
Legal status	Repealed	Current legislation
Domestic violence protection	Established domestic violence protections	Updated and expanded procedural protections
Definition of domestic violence	Defined domestic violence	Provides a more detailed framework for definitions and scope
Protection orders	Included protective measures	Regulates urgent protection procedures and enforcement
Reporting procedures	Established reporting procedures	Strengthens reporting safeguards and complainant protection
Family settlements	Addressed relevant procedures	Updates settlement procedures and restrictions
Competent authorities	Defined institutional responsibilities	Strengthens institutional coordination
Victim assistance	Provided protection and support measures	Introduces a more detailed framework for assistance and protection

The legislative changes reflect Kuwait's continued efforts to improve preventive protection, judicial intervention, and legal accountability in domestic violence cases.

The Role of a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Kuwait

Domestic violence cases may involve multiple legal proceedings, including criminal investigations, protection orders, divorce, child custody, and financial claims.

A qualified lawyer can assist clients by:

Reviewing the circumstances of the case.
Identifying appropriate legal remedies.
Preparing complaints and legal applications.
Following up with investigative authorities.
Applying for protection orders.
Representing clients during legal proceedings.
Advising on evidence and supporting documentation.
Initiating relevant family law proceedings.
Providing legal representation in accordance with Kuwaiti law.

Ineqad Law Firm and Legal Consultancy provides legal consultation concerning family disputes, marital conflicts, and related legal proceedings in Kuwait.

Domestic Violence Lawyers in Kuwait – Contact Information

Individuals seeking legal assistance regarding domestic violence or family law matters may contact Ineqad Law Firm and Legal Consultancy.

Lawyer's Name	Contact Number
Lawyer Fahad Al-Saeed	+965 66668811
Lawyer Riyadh Al-Fadhli	+965 66668811
Lawyer Ahmed Al-Fadhli	+965 66668811
Ahmed Mohammed Najeeb Abdulhadi	+965 66668811
Ahmed Salah Al-Serri	+965 66668811

Law Firm: Ineqad Law Firm and Legal Consultancy

Phone: +965 66668811

Email: info@ineqad.com

Website: www.ineqad.com

Contact the firm to inquire about available legal services or arrange a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kuwait's New Domestic Violence Law 2026

What Is the Number of Kuwait's New Domestic Violence Law?

Kuwait's new domestic violence legislation is Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026 concerning Protection Against Domestic Violence.

It became effective on March 15, 2026.

Is the New Domestic Violence Law Currently in Force in Kuwait?

Yes. Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026 entered into force following its publication in the Official Gazette on March 15, 2026.

What Is the Penalty for Violating a Protection Order in Kuwait?

Violating a protection order may result in imprisonment ranging from one to three months and a fine between KWD 500 and KWD 1,000, or either penalty.

More severe penalties may apply when the violation involves an additional act of domestic violence against a protected person.

Is Threatening a Family Member Considered Domestic Violence?

Threatening conduct may constitute domestic violence when the relevant statutory requirements are satisfied.

Depending on the circumstances, it may also constitute a separate criminal offense under the Kuwaiti Penal Code.

Can a Wife File a Police Complaint Against Her Husband for Physical Abuse?

Yes. A wife subjected to physical assault may report the incident to the competent authorities and provide supporting evidence.

She may also request a protection order where the legal conditions are met.

Can WhatsApp Messages Be Used as Evidence in Domestic Violence Cases?

WhatsApp messages and other electronic communications may be relevant evidence in domestic violence proceedings.

Their admissibility and evidentiary value depend on applicable legal requirements, including how the evidence was obtained.

Can a Wife Obtain a Protection Order Without Filing for Divorce?

Yes. Filing for divorce is not a prerequisite for requesting a domestic violence protection order.

The application is assessed according to the requirements established by the relevant legislation.

Does Kuwait's Domestic Violence Law Cover Psychological Abuse?

Yes. The law addresses psychological abuse where the conduct falls within the applicable legal definition and satisfies the relevant statutory conditions.

What Is the Penalty for Filing a False Domestic Violence Report?

Article 20 provides for imprisonment of up to two years and a fine not exceeding KWD 500, or either penalty, for submitting a false domestic violence report.

Can a Lawyer Help With Domestic Violence Cases in Kuwait?

Yes. A lawyer can provide legal advice, prepare complaints, assist with protection order applications, and represent clients before competent authorities and courts.

Why Legal Consultation Is Important in Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence disputes may involve complex legal questions, particularly when they overlap with divorce, child custody, maintenance, compensation, or criminal proceedings.

Professional legal consultation can help individuals understand their rights, legal obligations, and available remedies.

A lawyer can also assess the evidence and identify appropriate procedures based on the circumstances of the case.

Timely legal action may be particularly important where domestic violence involves ongoing threats or risks to personal safety.

Conclusion

The New Domestic Violence Law in Kuwait 2026 represents an important development in the country's legal framework for protecting families against abuse.

Through Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026, Kuwait has updated its domestic violence legislation by regulating reporting procedures, strengthening protection measures, and establishing penalties for violations of protective orders.

The legislation seeks to protect family members from physical, psychological, sexual, and financial violence while improving access to legal protection.

If you require legal advice concerning domestic violence, family disputes, divorce, or other personal status matters, Ineqad Law Firm and Legal Consultancy in Kuwait can provide information about the legal procedures relevant to your circumstances.

Contact Ineqad Law Firm and Legal Consultancy