Beating a wife is abuse punished under Saudi Arabia's Protection from Abuse Law, alongside private claims and the wife's right to seek annulment for harm.
| Case | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Physical or psychological abuse | One month to one year in prison, or a fine of SAR 5,000 to 50,000, or both (Article 13) |
| Repeat | Penalty doubled |
Reviewed by: Ghada Nasser Al-HarbiAttorney at USUS Law FirmLast updated:
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Steps
- Get a medical report.
- Report to the family violence line 1919, police 999 or Kollona Amn.
- Keep photos, messages and witness names.
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for domestic violence against a wife in Saudi Arabia?
One month to one year in prison or a fine of SAR 5,000 to 50,000, or both, doubled on repetition (Article 13 of the Protection from Abuse Law).
See the Protection from Abuse Law and our criminal lawyer in Riyadh.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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