Public Policy Document

The Family Protection Policy was issued in 2019 as part of the UAE Federal Government's focus on family welfare. This policy is of high importance as it aims to maintain the safety and cohesion of the family, which is considered the fundamental unit of society and a top priority for the UAE. The policy aims to provide a safe environment for a healthy society, strengthened by the principles of Islam, where moderation, kindness, and compassion prevail among family members. The policy serves women, men, children, youth, senior Emiratis, and People of Determination, protecting them all from violence and all forms of abuse.

This policy defines family protection as protecting family members from any abuse, harm, or threat committed by another family member or someone in a similar position of authority, exceeding their guardianship, custodianship, authority, or responsibility, resulting in physical or psychological harm.

1. Develop targeted legislations to regulate just relationships among family members. 
2. Strengthen measures of coordination between entities charged with family protection and referral services.
3. Develop adequate tools and channels of communication with family protection centers.
4. Increase the effectiveness of programs and services aimed at family members’ protection and rehabilitation, when necessary.
5. Conduct more studies and research on family protection and relationships strengthening.
6. Promote public awareness on fair and proper methods of interaction among family members to promote a culture of tolerance.

1. Further advance legislations related to family protection.
2. Develop protection and intervention actions.
3. Provide high-quality training for professionals in the field and enhance competencies.
4. Support and develop studies, research, and statistics in the field of family protection.
5. Enhance conflict prevention and community awareness.

1. Reduce cases of domestic violence against women, children, and People of Determination, in particular, and against all family members, in general.
2. Draft a clear methodology for monitoring, reporting and enforcement to address cases of violence.
3. Develop a legislative framework that regulates fair relations among family members.
4. Develop coordination measures between entities charged with family protection and referral systems.
5. Create an environment where abused family members can report violence incidents and benefit from protection services and programs.
6. Enhance community awareness on the best interaction methods among family members, and promote a culture of tolerance.

Family members, children of other spouses, brothers or sisters of either spouse, foster children, and relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity.