340 domestic and child abuse reports recorded in last quarter of 2025

A recent statistic issued by the Supreme Council for Family Affairs revealed that 340 reports of domestic violence and child abuse were recorded during the final quarter of this year, underscoring the growing need for preventive and protective interventions.

According to figures obtained by Al-Qabas, the reports included 143 cases of domestic violence, while 197 children were subjected to abuse, most of them by relatives. In addition, 11 shelter cases were handled in accordance with approved procedures.

In parallel with these efforts, the Department of Development and Rehabilitation of Counselors conducted 56 counseling sessions, provided two telephone consultations in the field of hearing and speech, and delivered 52 additional phone consultations, as part of an integrated system aimed at protection, early intervention and strengthening family stability.

Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah affirmed that monitoring domestic and child violence cases remains a national priority, given its direct impact on societal security and stability.

She stressed that state institutions operate within an integrated framework focused on prevention, early intervention, and providing comprehensive protection and care for victims through updated legislation, enhanced shelter services, psychological and social support, and strengthened coordination with relevant authorities.

Al-Huwailah revealed that an internal regulation has been introduced to organize operations at domestic violence protection centers, with the aim of improving service quality and enhancing the efficiency of case handling.

She noted that the regulation provides a comprehensive organizational framework that considers the privacy and social fabric of Kuwaiti society, while reinforcing the state’s broader efforts to protect families and safeguard children’s rights.

Al-Huwailah also highlighted the formation of the Board of Directors of the Domestic Violence Victims Care Fund and the resumption of its activities as a pivotal step in completing the protection system stipulated under Law No. 16 of 2020.

Although the law mandated the establishment of the fund upon its issuance, implementation had been delayed for several years due to various challenges.

Al-Huwailah explained that, in line with the directives of the wise leadership to enhance family security and stability, the fund’s board was recently formed with instructions to immediately resume operations.

The board has already begun developing a clear operational mechanism, including regulating the receipt of donations and determining disbursement channels to ensure support reaches eligible beneficiaries.

She added that coordination has commenced with charitable societies, leveraging Kuwait’s active philanthropic community to channel a portion of donations toward supporting families and individuals in need within the country.

The minister further noted that the new regulations governing protection centers cover procedures for receiving cases from various sources, assessing their needs, and providing appropriate services, including temporary shelter, protection orders, psychological, social and legal consultations, or referrals to specialized agencies.

All departments have been instructed to fully implement the regulations and document observations to address any shortcomings before their final adoption in line with the highest professional standards.

At the Gulf level, Al-Huwailah revealed that Kuwait has submitted a proposal to the Gulf Women’s Committee at the GCC Secretariat to designate an annual Gulf Day celebrating the achievements and creativity of Gulf women. The proposal is currently under review within the relevant frameworks.