KUWAIT CITY, April 29: A recent official report has raised serious concerns over the rising number of domestic violence cases in Kuwait over the past five years, highlighting a growing issue within the country’s social fabric. According to data released by the Ministry of Justice’s Information Technology and Statistics Sector, a total of 9,107 domestic violence cases were registered with the Public Prosecution Office between 2020 and March 31, 2025.

Figures obtained revealed that 11,051 individuals were accused in these cases, including 7,850 males and 3,201 females. The report also noted that 4,057 cases were referred to court, while 3,992 were closed. Judgments were issued in 3,497 cases. The number of victims involved reached 9,543, comprising 5,609 females and 3,934 males, further underscoring the gendered impact of domestic violence in the country.

According to judicial outcomes, 2,639 cases ended in convictions, while 885 resulted in acquittals, representing a conviction rate of approximately 75%. A government source stated that the rate of domestic violence cases had doubled over the past two years, with an increase of 100%, prompting urgent calls for legal reform. The source pointed to the government’s growing commitment to confronting domestic violence, particularly through amendments to existing legislation aimed at protecting women in all roles—as wives, daughters, sisters, and mothers—and eliminating abuse in all forms.

A key point of concern is Article 9 of the Domestic Violence Law, which currently allows for the suspension of legal proceedings at any stage prior to judgment based on the victim’s request, regardless of the gravity of the offense. The source explained that this provision has proven problematic in practice, as it obliges investigators to halt cases at the victim’s discretion, potentially allowing serious offenses to go unpunished. The proposed legal reforms aim to abolish Article 9 and revert to standard legal procedures for case withdrawal, with new restrictions to prohibit the application of Article 104 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in cases involving sexual assault among family members and domestic violence against children or vulnerable individuals.

The data and proposed reforms underscore the urgency of addressing domestic violence as both a legal and societal issue in Kuwait, with calls growing louder for a comprehensive response to protect victims and uphold justice.