United Arab Emirates: information for victims of domestic abuse
Detailed guide on domestic abuse, what to do and how to seek help in the United Arab Emirates.
The term domestic abuse covers a range of abusive behaviours. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, disability or whether a relationship has ended. Domestic abuse includes, but is not limited to, physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse. It can also include controlling and coercive behaviour.
You do not have to wait for help as there are resources available to support you. It is important to tell someone what you are going through, so that you are not alone.
If you’re worried someone might be checking your internet history, and may see you have visited this page, visit Women’s Aid online for information on covering your internet search history.
Definition of an abusive relationship
Anyone can experience domestic abuse, and the different types of domestic abuse (intimate partner violence, sexual assault and stalking) including sexual violence.
The UK government’s definition of domestic abuse is:
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or above who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional, controlling and coercive behaviour. [The Domestic Abuse Act 2021]
In the UAE, domestic violence is defined as “any sort of abuse, harm, or threat committed by a family member against another member of the family, overstepping his/her guardianship, custody, authority or responsibility, causing physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm or damage.”*
*UAE Federal-Decree Law No-10 on the Protection Against Domestic Violence, and the Family Protection Police, were both implemented in 2019.
The types of abuse experienced may change over time, but will always result in the abuser having power and control over the victim. It is important to know that domestic abuse is never the victim’s fault.
First steps
It is your choice about what you do next. This information shows some options that are available to you.
The most important thing is to make sure that you are safe. You can:
- contact the emergency police number in the UAE on 999
- contact your tour operator if you are travelling with one
- contact the British Embassy in Dubai on +971 4 309 4444 or Abu Dhabi on +971 2 610 1100. We can provide you with information on local police and medical procedures. Anything you tell us will be in confidence. If you want, we can contact your family and friends for you
- if you have been affected by rape or sexual assault, refer to our guide for victims of rape and sexual assault in the UAE
The British Embassy can:
- help you to contact your insurance company and your family
- help you to make arrangements to travel back to the UK
- provide you with information on local support in the UK
- provide you with lists of English-speaking medical facilities, lawyers and translators
If you are worried that someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact the British Embassy. However, our assistance will be limited without the consent of the victim. If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm, you should call 999.
If you need medical treatment
For medical advice, treatment or attention, check our list of medical facilities in the UAE.
If you find it helpful, you should ask someone to go with you to the hospital or medical centre for support. This could be a friend or family member. If you need additional support, contact the British Embassy.
Safety planning
You may wish to consider taking precautions to plan for your safety. This could include:
- keeping your phone charged, and write down any phone numbers that are necessary to request assistance
- informing a trusted neighbour or acquaintance of the problem
- asking relatives or friends to visit more frequently
- collecting information about local support
- preparing a small emergency bag with identification papers, money, and clothes
- staying away from dangerous places in the home, in the event of violence, such as a kitchen
If you want to report an incident to the police
If you want to report the incident to police, take photos of your injuries and provide evidence, such as video/voice recordings, text messages, and details of any witnesses.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, and you choose to report this to the police, you should do so as soon as possible. UAE law on domestic abuse is different to UK law, and the procedures for reporting it are different. Before you report the incident to the police, you should try to contact the British Embassy in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, or a local lawyer to ensure you are aware of the legal process.
Police procedures
There is a possibility that the police, they may suggest other methods of dealing with the abuse such as mediation between you and your abuser. It is your choice whether you wish to do this, but they may not offer an alternative such as prosecution. If you feel that this may pose a risk to you, then the British Embassy can speak with you, and the local police, to understand more about your options. It is also possible that once the police have spoken to both parties involved, they may close the case with no further action.
If you want to report the abuse to the police in the UAE and file a complaint against the perpetrator, contact the police:
- on 999 if you are in immediate danger or
- in person at the nearest police station
At the police station
There may not be specially trained officers to speak with you, and not every police station will have female officers available. The level of English spoken and understood may be limited. If possible, take someone with you who speaks Arabic.
You can ask the police to inform the British Embassy for you. With your consent, we will work with the local police and can contact family and friends on your behalf.
You will be expected to provide a full statement, giving details of the abuse, where, when and when it happened, and who the perpetrator is. You may be asked to name any witnesses.
The police may speak directly to your abuser, or to you both together as a family. You should therefore consider carefully whether going to the police is the safest option. If you do file a complaint, you should ask the police for the case number and a copy of their report. Any documents you receive from the police are likely to be in Arabic. If you wish to have them translated you will need to arrange this yourself.
Court procedures
The case may be referred to Public Prosecution. This process can take a long time and the Public Prosecution may request additional information or further investigation.
You may be called to give evidence in person during the court proceedings. Proceedings are not normally held in a closed court, and evidence cannot be given from behind screens or via video.
The Court will not automatically update the British Embassy on the progress of your case, so you should appoint a local lawyer and remain in contact with them for regular updates on your case. A lawyer can also tell you about any actions you need to take.
If the case goes to trial and you are no longer residing in the UAE, the authorities may ask you to return. You will need to make your own arrangements for your travel and accommodation. Currently, there are no compensation schemes for survivors of domestic abuse in the UAE.
If you do not want to report an incident to the police
It is your choice on whether to report the abuse. If you don’t report it, your case will not be investigated. However, if you seek medical assistance from a local hospital, they may report it to the police. If you are prescribed any medication, you may wish to keep a record of the medication and let your local health care provider or GP know.
The British Embassy will be able to help you, regardless of whether you report the abuse or not.
Reporting to UK police (England and Wales) (The Domestic Abuse Act 2021)
In almost all instances, you must report the abuse before you leave the UAE if you want it to be investigated. If, however, you do not want to report it in the UAE, you may wish to report it to the UK police. You should be aware that while the UK police can record an incident and assist you in reporting the abuse to the overseas authority (via Interpol), they cannot insist that the abuse is investigated, nor can they conduct investigations abroad. The decision to pursue an investigation rests with the local authorities in the UAE, who may choose to take no action.
The UK police can offer you access to victim support in the UK. They may still send some details of the abuse to police in the UAE as this might be necessary in order to protect vulnerable people, or to stop more abuse being committed.
If you are in the UK, you can see this guidance on how to get help in the UK relating to domestic abuse.
Support organisations in the UAE
See our list of charities and counsellors in the UAE.
Dubai Foundation for Women & Children
Established to offer immediate protection and support services for women and children in the UAE against domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking.
Tel: 04 6060300
Website: https://www.dfwac.ae/
Shamsaha
Provides a 24/7 support for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Website: https://shamsaha.org/
Ministry of Community Development Soun system
An innovative system for early detection against potential abuse of any family member.
Himaya Foundation
Providing care, shelter and rehabilitation programs for victims of domestic violence.
Tel: +971 568870766
Support organisations and useful contacts in the UK
Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge
Tel: 0808 200 0247
Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)
Tel: 0800 999 5428
Website: https://www.galop.org.uk
Live Fear Free helpline (Wales)
Tel: 0808 80 10 800
Website: https://www.livefearfree.gov.wales
Men’s Advice Line
Tel: 0808 801 0327
Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk
Rape Crisis (England and Wales)
Tel: 0808 802 9999
Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Respect phone line
Tel: 0808 802 4040
Website: www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Tel: 0800 027 1234
Website: sdafmh.org.uk
Scottish Women’s Aid
Tel: 0131 226 6606
Website: https://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk
Women’s Aid Federation (Northern Ireland)
Tel: 0800 917 1414
Website: https://www.womensaidni.org
Local services
Find your nearest support office on: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-directory.
Disclaimer
This information has been prepared by UK government officials who are not legally or medically trained. It should therefore never be used as a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. It is intended to help British nationals abroad make their own informed decisions. Neither the UK government nor any official of the Consulate accept liability for any loss or damage which you might suffer as a result of relying on the information supplied.