Domestic Violence Protections in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Saudi Arabia's Protection from Abuse Law (2013) was a landmark — the Kingdom's first statute criminalising domestic violence. Enforcement has been strengthened under Vision 2030:
- Definition: Abuse includes physical, psychological, sexual, and financial harm — as well as threats, neglect, and exploitation — by a family member or household member.
- Penalties: Abusers face up to 1 year in prison and fines up to SAR 50,000 for a first offence. Repeat offenders face doubled penalties.
- Protection orders: Courts can issue orders removing the abuser from the home, prohibiting contact, and requiring counselling — enforceable through the Execution Court.
- 1919 hotline: The MHRSD hotline (1919) operates 24/7 for reporting abuse — it is staffed by social workers who can dispatch emergency assistance.
- Mandatory reporting: Healthcare professionals, teachers, and social workers who encounter abuse cases are legally required to report — failure to report is an offence.
- Shelters: MHRSD operates social protection shelters (dar al-himaya) for abuse victims and their children in major cities.
- National Family Safety Programme: Provides victim support services, legal referrals, and rehabilitation programmes.
When does it apply?
- You are experiencing physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse from a family or household member.
- You are aware that a child, elderly person, or dependent 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 Abuse in Saudi Arabia
- Call 1919 — the MHRSD hotline for reporting abuse, available 24/7.
- Go to the nearest police station to file a report if you are in immediate danger — police must take your complaint seriously.
- Request a protection order through the court via Najiz — judges can act on an emergency basis.
- Document the abuse — save messages, take photos of injuries, and get medical reports from a hospital.
- Contact the National Family Safety Programme for support services, shelter placement, and legal referrals.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not stay silent — the law protects reporters from retaliation, and mandatory reporting applies to professionals who encounter abuse.
- Do not destroy evidence — keep records of abuse incidents, even if you are not ready to report yet.
- Do not confront the abuser alone if there is a risk of escalation — seek help from authorities or the 1919 hotline first.
Common Questions
When does it apply — domestic violence protections?
You are experiencing physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse from a family or household member.You are aware that a child, elderly person, or dependent is being abused.You need a protection order to keep the abuser away from you.
What should I do if I am being abused by a family member in Saudi Arabia?
Call 1919 — the MHRSD hotline for reporting abuse, available 24/7.Go to the nearest police station to file a report if you are in immediate danger — police must take your complaint seriously.Request a protection order through the court via Najiz — judges can act on an emergency basis.Document the abuse — save messages, take photos of injuries, and get medical reports from a hospital.Contact the National Family Safety Programme for support services, shelter placement, and legal referrals.
What should you NOT do — domestic violence protections?
Do not stay silent — the law protects reporters from retaliation, and mandatory reporting applies to professionals who encounter abuse.Do not destroy evidence — keep records of abuse incidents, even if you are not ready to report yet.Do not confront the abuser alone if there is a risk of escalation — seek help from authorities or the 1919 hotline first.