A new draft law that will punish all forms of physical and mental abuse and provide protection to victims will come up for discussion in the Shoura (Consultative) Council soon, informed sources told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. The 16-article “Regulation for Protection from Abuse,” formulated by the Ministry of Social Affairs, seeks to ban people from insulting, mocking, cursing, humiliating and disparaging others. It will be sent to the Cabinet for final approval. Amendments to the law have already been made by the Shoura Council's Social Affairs, Family and Youth Committee, sources said. Protection for victims will include provision of assistance, treatment, shelter and social, psychiatric and health care. Victims will also get legal help to punish perpetrators. Article One tackles all forms of physical harm, which includes sexual abuse and harassment, in person or through modern telecommunication devices. Punishable offenses include expressing the desire to have sex with another person and denying a person his or her basic rights under Islamic law. One of the articles proposes the need to train judges, security officers, investigators, doctors and specialists to deal with abuse cases. There should also be public awareness and education programs launched on all forms of abuse. This includes showing how abuse affects victims and how members of society can tackle the phenomenon. Article Three calls on witnesses of abuse to report such incidents immediately to the police. Article Four says the concerned committee and the police will receive reports on such cases and refer them for investigation. Article Five stresses that the identity of the person who reported the incident should not be revealed unless permission is granted by the person concerned. Article Six exempts the person of any responsibility if he or she reports abuse in good faith, but which on further investigation, turns out to be wrong. __
