Family Violence Law (Law No. 8 of 2011)

The Family Violence Law (Law No. 8 of 2011) was adopted by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Parliament. The law is a pioneering legal framework in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) aimed at combating domestic violence and protecting vulnerable family members, particularly women and children. The law criminalizes various forms of violence, including physical assault, psychological abuse, forced marriage, and honor-based violence. It also provides mechanisms for victims to report incidents and seek protection, including through shelters and rehabilitation programs. The law was adopted in response to increasing awareness of the prevalence and impact of domestic violence in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan Region. The law was part of broader efforts to align with international human rights standards, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), to which Iraq is a party.

The law was one of the first in Iraq to explicitly criminalize domestic violence, marking a significant shift in addressing violence within the private sphere. The law spurred awareness-raising initiatives, leading to increased public dialogue on gender-based violence and its consequences. The establishment of family protection units within the police force served to facilitate the reporting and investigation of domestic violence cases. Shelters and rehabilitation programs for survivors were set up, with reports indicating that over 2,500 women and children accessed these services between 2015 and 2020.[1] However, enforcement remains inconsistent, as many cases go unreported due to social stigma and fear of reprisal. Deeply ingrained cultural norms continue to justify or minimize domestic violence, limiting the effectiveness of legal interventions. A 2020 survey found that 62% of victims of domestic violence in the Kurdistan Region did not report incidents to authorities.[2]

The Family Violence Law (Law No. 8 of 2011) is a landmark piece of legislation that underscores the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to addressing domestic violence and protecting vulnerable populations. By criminalizing domestic violence and establishing support mechanisms for survivors, the law has provided a framework for tackling a deeply entrenched issue. Studies conducted in the late 2000s revealed alarmingly high rates of domestic violence, with surveys showing that 46% of Kurdish women reported experiencing physical violence from family members.[3] Challenges in implementation and enforcement continue to hinder its effectiveness. Social stigma and patriarchal norms remain significant barriers, with many victims reluctant to report incidents due to fear of social ostracism or retaliation. Moreover, the limited geographical scope of the law leaves victims outside the Kurdistan Region without similar legal protections.

[1] NGO Coordination Committee for Iraq (NCCI). “Annual Report on Gender-Based Violence in the Kurdistan Region.” (2020).

[2] International Organization for Migration (IOM). “Barriers to Reporting Domestic Violence in the Kurdistan Region.” (2020)

[3] Ministry of Health and Kurdistan Regional Government. “Domestic Violence in the Kurdistan Region: Prevalence and Impact.” (2009).