In brief
Protects against physical, psychological or sexual abuse, or the threat of it, by anyone with guardianship, authority, a family or dependency relationship, including failure to provide basic needs, and sets out reporting, shelter and penalties.
Summary of the law
Key points
- Abuse is any exploitation, physical, psychological or sexual mistreatment, or threat of it, beyond one's guardianship or authority, including failing to meet the basic needs of dependants (Article 1).
- Anyone aware of abuse must report it at once; employees who learn of it at work inform their employer, which reports to the Ministry or police (Article 3); the reporter's identity stays confidential (Article 5).
Penalties
- One month to one year in prison and SAR 5,000–50,000, or either.
- One to five years and SAR 50,000–300,000 if aggravated; doubled for repeat offences; the same penalty for those who incite or help (Article 13).
Typical cases
- Domestic violence between spouses or against children or the elderly.
- Denying a wife or children maintenance, treatment or schooling.
- Abuse of a domestic worker by an employer.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- Definition of abuse, including neglect
- Duty to report and confidentiality
- Shelter, care and treatment
- Penalties and aggravation
Timeline
- Amendments: Royal Decree M/72 · 6/8/1443H. Amendments including the penalties article (noted in the official text)
- Issued: Published 22/3/1446H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .