What is the process for getting a restraining order against an abusive family member?

To obtain a restraining order in the UAE against an abusive family member, you can file a report with the police station in the emirate where the abuse occurred, contact the Ministry of Community Development/Human Resources, or go to the Public Prosecution to issue a protection order.

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Hi,

To get a restraining order against an abusive family member in the UAE, you can file a complaint with the police or public prosecution detailing the abuse.

The authorities may issue a temporary restraining order valid for up to 30 days, which can be extended, prohibiting the abuser from contacting or approaching you.

The order can also require the abuser to stay away from your home or workplace and provide you with protection.

Violating the restraining order can lead to imprisonment and fines.

If you want assistance with filing the complaint or understanding your legal options, I can guide you through the process.

Greetings,

In the UAE, obtaining a restraining order against an abusive family member requires filing a petition with the competent court, supported by evidence such as police reports, medical records, or witness statements.

The court may issue a protection order to prevent the abusive party from approaching or contacting you.

Since each case depends on its specific circumstances, we recommend booking a consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy to review your situation and take the appropriate legal steps, or to formally appoint us to act on your behalf.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for reaching out!

In the UAE, if you are experiencing abuse from a family member, you can seek protection through a restraining or protective order. The process generally involves:

- Reporting the abuse to the police or Public Prosecution so that it is officially documented.

- Filing a request for a protective/ restraining order with the court or the Family Guidance Department.

- Court evaluation, where the court reviews your complaint and evidence, and may issue an order prohibiting the abuser from approaching or contacting you, or impose other protective measures.

- Enforcement, where authorities ensure compliance with the order, and any violation may lead to criminal penalties.

It is important to gather and preserve any evidence of abuse, such as messages, photos, medical reports, or witness statements.

If you are in immediate danger, contact the police right away.

We can assist you with preparing the complaint, submitting the necessary documents, and guiding you through the process to obtain a restraining order.

Kind regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

Thank you for contacting us via Legal Advice Middle East!

We have handled a very similar case where a client sought urgent protection from an abusive family member.

The UAE courts granted a protection order under the Family Protection framework, which immediately restricted the abuser’s contact and safeguarded the client.

There are multiple legal routes available. The most direct is to file a complaint with the police, who can escalate the matter to the Public Prosecution for a temporary protection order.

Once the case is referred to the Family Court, you may request a restraining order, which can include preventing the abuser from approaching your residence, workplace, or contacting you in any form.

If there is evidence of threats or violence, the court often issues such orders quickly.

The most strategic step is to gather evidence, messages, witness statements, and medical reports if injuries occurred, and file immediately for protection. This ensures that even before a full trial, interim measures can be granted to protect you.

To advise you precisely, we would need to know whether the abusive behavior is physical, verbal, or financial, and in which emirate you reside, as each has slightly different procedures. Our multilingual consultants in Arabic, English, Russian, Hindi, and Chinese are ready to assist you in preparing the application and ensuring your safety.

In the UAE, you can obtain a restraining order (often referred to as a protection order) against an abusive family member under the Family Protection Law (Federal Law No. 10 of 2019 on Domestic Violence).

The process is designed to protect victims from further harm and ensure their safety. Here’s how it generally works:

Report the Abuse

You can file a complaint at the police station or directly approach the Public Prosecution.

Provide evidence if available (messages, medical reports, witness statements, photographs, etc.).

Temporary Protection Measures

The police or prosecution can issue immediate temporary protective measures, such as preventing the abuser from contacting or approaching you.

In urgent cases, this can be done on the same day.

Court Application for a Protection Order

A formal application is made to the Family Court requesting a restraining/protection order.

The court may issue an order that prohibits the abuser from:

- Approaching the victim’s home, workplace, or school,

- Contacting the victim by phone, messages, or in person, and

- Committing any further abuse.

Duration of the Order

Protection orders are usually granted for a specific period (e.g., 30 days) and may be extended if the risk continues.

Violation of the Order

If the abuser breaches the restraining order, it becomes a criminal offense, and they may face fines or imprisonment.

Support Services

In Dubai and other emirates, there are family protection units and shelters (e.g., Dubai Foundation for Women and Children) that provide safe housing and counseling.

Since every case depends on its facts and urgency, it is strongly advised to proceed carefully with legal assistance to ensure the order is issued quickly and effectively.

If you’d like, I can help you prepare the application and represent you before the authorities so that immediate protective measures are taken without delay.

You can reach out to me directly on WhatsApp or phone at [------------] to discuss your situation in confidence and take the next steps.

Dear questioner,

In the UAE, the process for getting a protection order against an abusive family member is governed by the Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2019 on Domestic Violence, and more recently, Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024.

These laws offer a strong legal framework for victims. The first step is to immediately report the abuse to the police by calling the emergency number 999 or contacting a specialized domestic violence support center, such as the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children.

Based on your report, the Public Prosecution may issue a temporary protection order. The Public Prosecution will refer the case to the Family Court, which will hold a hearing to decide whether to issue a long-term protection order.

If you need more details, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

Dear Inquirer,

We are pleased to serve you and address your inquiries.

We have reviewed your query and have identified the need for further clarification and detailed explanations.

Our firm offers complimentary consultations to assist you with your legal concerns, which can be conducted online in a 15-minute session.

Please contact us via email at [-------------] or call our offices in Dubai at [-------------], Sharjah at [-------------] or RAK at [-------------].

Dear Client,

Thank you for your message!

In the UAE, a restraining order against an abusive family member is obtained by first filing a complaint with the police or the Family Protection Department, where the details of the abuse and threats are officially recorded.

Along with the complaint, we apply for a protection order that prevents the abusive person from contacting you or your wife, entering your home or workplace, or approaching you in any way.

The court reviews such requests urgently, and once issued, the order is legally binding, meaning any violation becomes a criminal offence that carries strict penalties.

To strengthen the application, it is always best to provide any evidence available, such as written threats, recordings, medical reports, or witnesses, but even if there is limited proof, the authorities can still act to protect the victim. After the order is granted, we can also pursue further legal action for assault, threats, or false accusations.

We recommend booking an appointment with our office as soon as possible so that we can prepare the complaint, compile the supporting details, and ensure the restraining order is obtained without delay.

Best regards,