Saudi Arabia passes law against domestic violence Saudi Arabia has passed legislation aimed at protecting women, children and domestic staff against domestic abuse, a human rights official said on Thursday. The protection from abuse law is the first of its kind in a country that has often been criticised for lacking legislation that protects women and domestic workers against abuse. ... Fakher said one reason domestic violence was widespread in Saudi Arabia was because tribal traditions prevented women from reporting abuse for fear of social stigma. "Women think what the community would say about her if she filed a complaint," he said. There has also been an increase in reports of cases of domestic abuse in which families mistreat their domestic staff. , sometimes resulting in them turning on the children of their employers ... The law gives those who report abuse the right to remain anonymous, as well as immunity from litigation should abuse fail to be proven in a court. It also urges witnesses to report abuse without having to disclose their identity, which Fakher said is a significant part of the law. Rights activist Waleed Abu al-Khair said the law gives women some independence: "Women were required to bring in a male relative if they showed up at a police station to file a complaint," he said. This will not now be necessary. The law could be a step towards changing current regulations which require women to get approval of male guardians – fathers, husbands or sons – to carry out business, apply for jobs or travel outside the country, Khair said.
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 19:14:37 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015