Saudi Gazette report RIYADH – Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Yousif Al-Othaimeen on Monday approved the executive bylaws of the Anti-Harassment Law, which fights all aspects of domestic violence such as physical, sexual, and mental abuse. Dr. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Yousif, ministry's undersecretary for social care, said that the bylaws also deal with threats made by guardians, sponsors, or others in similar positions. The ministry will conduct social and psychological studies on victims of abuse and will rehabilitate them and help them adapt to their social and family conditions. Article (3) of the bylaws stipulates that any public or private agency engaged in any form of abuse must be reported to authorities. If the reporter does not want his name to be made public, then Article (5) of the law guarantees that to him. Dr. Al-Othaimeen said the law was formulated after intensive brain storming sessions, meetings, and workshops involving ministry's officials and experts from the private and public sectors and the media. A team of lawyers and legal experts finalized the guidelines of the bylaws. Last year the Council of Ministers passed a historic legislation criminalizing domestic abuse, as well as establishing treatment and shelter for victims. Law enforcement agencies are now accountable for investigating and prosecuting domestic cases. Previously, police treated violence against women and children as a private domestic matter with few legal consequences. According to the law approved by the Cabinet, the abusers will get a minimum jail term of one month and a maximum of one year or fines ranging between SR5,000 and SR50,000 or both.
