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The UAE law regards the crime of assaulting a child as a serious violation that exceeds the boundaries and rights legislated for the protection of children. This applies whether the harm is physical or moral, given that children are considered a vulnerable group deserving of special protection.

This article discusses the legal framework governing child assault crimes in the UAE, the types of penalties imposed on perpetrators, with a focus on sexual harassment as a major form of such crimes, and the available legal reporting mechanisms.

Child Assault Crime in UAE Law

Under UAE law, child assault is categorized as a crime committed against a person who lacks full legal capacity. This results in aggravated criminal responsibility for the offender due to the special nature of the victim. Article 36 of Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 explicitly prohibits any kind of harm to a child—whether physical or psychological.

Therefore, any act that causes physical pain to the child, such as beating or torture, or negatively impacts the child’s mental or emotional state—such as insults, threats, or harsh treatment—is considered a punishable offense. Assault may also include any action that affects a child’s intellectual or moral development, like exposure to situations that distort their thinking or belief systems.

The law does not differentiate between offenders based on their relationship to the child. Whether the perpetrator is a stranger, a relative, or even the child’s parent, all are subject to the same prosecution procedures. The crime is proven based on the act itself and the resulting harm, and it does not require full evidence of damage—only confirmation that the child’s physical, psychological, or sexual integrity was violated.

Legal Penalties for Child Assault in the UAE

The UAE legislator, through its legal system, aims to protect children from all forms of harm—physical, psychological, or mental. The penalties for such crimes are intentionally severe to ensure deterrence and protection. Notably, assaulting a child is deemed a serious crime even if it does not result in major physical injury; psychological or emotional damage is sufficient for legal prosecution.

Below are examples of penalties stipulated by UAE law for child assault crimes:

1. Imprisonment: Sentences may reach up to 10 years, especially when the assault causes significant physical harm or if the perpetrator holds a position of authority or guardianship over the child. This is stated in Article 65 of the Federal Law.

2. Financial Fines: Offenders may be fined up to 1 million AED to mitigate the psychological and social impact on the child.

3. Protection Orders: In some cases, the offender may be subjected to protection measures such as restraining orders preventing them from approaching the child or any other children for a set period.

Sexual Harassment Penalty in the UAE

When the victim is a child, UAE law does not treat the incident as merely deviant behavior—it is considered a violation of the core legal protections granted to minors. Sexual harassment directly breaches the child’s bodily and psychological integrity, and its effects may last a lifetime.

The Penal Code has significantly tightened the punishment for sexual harassment of children under 18. Article 413 of the Federal Law states that if the victim is under 18 years of age, the level of legal protection increases. The punishment may include up to 2 years in prison and a fine of no less than AED 50,000, or either of these penalties.

Harsher penalties apply in certain aggravated circumstances, such as:

• The crime is committed by more than one person.

• A weapon is used.

• The offender is a relative, a parent, or someone entrusted with the child’s care, education, or has authority over them.

How to Report Sexual Harassment in the UAE

The UAE provides efficient and responsive mechanisms for reporting sexual harassment, ensuring immediate intervention from competent authorities. This guarantees that victims are protected and that violations are not repeated.

Available reporting channels include:

1. Dubai Community Development Authority: Receives sexual harassment reports and provides guidance and support.

2. Dubai Foundation for Women and Children: Offers full protection services to victims and allows direct communication for reporting.

3. Ajman Women and Child Protection Foundation: Accepts reports and provides legal and psychological support to victims.

4. Aman Center for the Protection of Women and Children – Ras Al Khaimah: Receives reports and ensures immediate victim protection.

5. Child and Family Protection Center: Accepts reports of sexual harassment and ensures legal and psychological follow-up.

6. Al Ameen Service: A safe and confidential reporting method via phone or text, ensuring victim privacy.

7. Community Development Authority: Offers various communication channels for families to report incidents immediately.

In Dubai, a dedicated hotline is available for reporting child sexual harassment: 042661228. Authorities are actively enhancing communication channels to ensure full privacy and confidentiality in protecting victims and safeguarding their data.

Conclusion

In this article, we have outlined the child assault crime under UAE law, presenting the applicable criminal penalties for such actions, particularly in sexual harassment cases. We also explained in detail the procedures for reporting harassment in the UAE through trusted and confidential channels, aiming to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable under the law.

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