Kuwait sees 228 reports of domestic violence and child abuse in 90 days
Iman Al-Enzi, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, reported 140 cases of violence against children and 88 cases of domestic violence.
• While some cases of domestic violence and child abuse are resolved amicably, those that aren’t are referred to the Public Prosecution, primarily involving disputes over child custody and neglect.
Iman Al-Enzi, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, announced that the council received 228 reports of domestic violence or child abuse in the past three months. She noted that, through collaboration with the Social Development Office, these reports are thoroughly examined. While some cases are attempted to be resolved amicably, those that cannot be settled are referred to the Public Prosecution for further action, according to Al Jarida newspaper.
Al-Enzi told the newspaper that these reports were divided as follows: 140 cases of violence against children and 88 cases of domestic violence. She pointed out that most reports revolve around disputes between husbands and wives regarding child custody or issues of neglect in the care of minors.
After receiving a report, it is studied and referred to a reception center in the Khaitan area for sorting. The complaining parties are then contacted to attempt an amicable settlement with the help of legal researchers and psychosocial specialists. If this fails, the report is referred to legal authorities, as the rates of amicable resolutions are high. Most reports involve either the inability to see children or neglect in the care of a minor.
New child protection center in the capital area
She stated that there are currently shelters affiliated with the council in the Al-Farwaniya and Al-Ahmadigovernorates, noting that the total number of shelter cases received by the council is only two.
She revealed that there is a plan to open a new child protection center in the capital area, similar to the one currently located in Khaitan, in implementation of Article 77 of Law No. 21/2015 concerning the Rights of the Child, which stipulates that “child protection centers shall be established in each governorate of the state under the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.”
She added that “there are key partners in the work of the Council, namely the Social Development Office and the Public Prosecution, along with the Ministries of Interior, Health, and Education, as well as other relevant government agencies, which strengthen their cooperation with the Council and facilitate the achievement of its desired goals.”
Cases of domestic violence
Al-Enzi explained that “cases of domestic violence received by the Council’s Protection Center come through reports from the Public Prosecution or community police, or through the council’s communication channels, including personal accounts.”
She pointed out that once the case is received, a file is opened, and it is referred to the prosecution if the respondent wishes to register a case of violence, in accordance with the guidelines specified by Law No. 16 of 2020, which addresses protection from domestic violence.
She emphasized the council’s commitment, under the direct guidance of Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila, Minister of Social Affairs, Family Affairs, and Childhood, to launch initiatives aimed at eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against women, providing an enabling environment for them to pursue entrepreneurship, and empowering them to assume leadership positions. She also explained that the council is currently working on standardizing the classification of domestic violence cases in Kuwait, noting that incidents of violence in the country are at their normal rates.
