Domestic Violence in Oman (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Oman enacted a dedicated Anti-Domestic Violence Law (Royal Decree 8/2021) to protect family members from abuse:
- Definition: Domestic violence includes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse between family members or household members.
- Protection orders: Victims can apply to the Sharia court for a protection order requiring the abuser to stay away, leave the family home, or stop contact.
- Criminal penalties: Domestic violence is a criminal offence. Penalties include imprisonment and fines, with harsher sentences for repeat offenders and abuse of children or elderly persons.
- Reporting: Victims can report to the Royal Oman Police (9999), the Ministry of Social Development, or through the domestic violence hotline.
- Shelters: The Ministry of Social Development provides shelter and support services for victims of family violence.
When does it apply?
- You are experiencing physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse from a family or household member.
- A child or elderly person in your household is being abused.
- You need a protection order to keep the abuser away from you.
What to Do If You Are Experiencing Domestic Violence or Family Abuse in Oman
- Call the Royal Oman Police (emergency: 9999) if you are in immediate danger.
- File a report at the nearest ROP station or contact the Ministry of Social Development.
- Apply for a protection order through the court — you can do this with or without filing criminal charges.
- Seek medical treatment and document your injuries with a medical report.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not stay silent — domestic violence is a crime in Oman under Royal Decree 8/2021, and help is available.
- Do not destroy evidence — keep photos of injuries, threatening messages, and medical reports.
- Do not return to the abuser without a safety plan — contact a social worker at the Ministry of Social Development for guidance.
About Family Law in Oman
Oman family law sits under the Personal Status Law (Royal Decree 32/1997), applied through Sharia courts using Ibadi Islamic jurisprudence — distinct from Sunni and Shia rules on divorce, inheritance, and shares. Marriage needs mutual consent, mahr, the bride's wali, mandatory premarital medical screening, and court registration; minimum age is 18. Divorce comes through talaq, khul', or judicial dissolution. Custody follows the best interests of the child — mothers usually keep boys until 7 and girls until 9. Domestic violence is criminalised by the Anti-Domestic Violence Law (Royal Decree 8/2021).
Common Questions
What is the domestic violence protections right in Oman?
Oman enacted a dedicated Anti-Domestic Violence Law (Royal Decree 8/2021) to protect family members from abuse:Definition: Domestic violence includes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse between family members or household members.Protection orders: Victims can apply to the Sharia court for a protection order requiring the abuser to stay away, leave the family home, or stop contact.Criminal penalties: Domestic violence is a criminal offence. Penalties include imprisonment and fines, with harsher sentences for repeat offenders and abuse of children or elderly persons.Reporting:...
When does it apply — domestic violence protections?
You are experiencing physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse from a family or household member.A child or elderly person in your household is being abused.You need a protection order to keep the abuser away from you.
What should I do if I am being physically or psychologically abused by a family member in Oman?
Call the Royal Oman Police (emergency: 9999) if you are in immediate danger.File a report at the nearest ROP station or contact the Ministry of Social Development.Apply for a protection order through the court — you can do this with or without filing criminal charges.Seek medical treatment and document your injuries with a medical report.
What should you NOT do — domestic violence protections?
Do not stay silent — domestic violence is a crime in Oman under Royal Decree 8/2021, and help is available.Do not destroy evidence — keep photos of injuries, threatening messages, and medical reports.Do not return to the abuser without a safety plan — contact a social worker at the Ministry of Social Development for guidance.