The Ministry of Social Affairs wants the Interior Ministry to set up a family police unit to deal with domestic violence cases.

Abdullah Al-Yousif, undersecretary for family and social welfare at the ministry, said the police officers in such a department would be trained to act in accordance with Saudi customs.

Al-Yousif said he wants the Interior Ministry to consider the proposal because of the effects of domestic violence on families in the country. He said the ministry recently allocated SR2 million for awareness programs that would educate citizens on the issue.

It also recently held a workshop on violence against women at the Prince Salman Social Center. He said it would take time for the public to be aware of the newly promulgated laws on domestic violence.

He said the ministry intends to launch a national strategy on domestic violence in the first quarter of 2015. The plan would look at strengthening institutions by linking them with communities, he said.

Mufleh Al-Qahtani, chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, said recently that the Kingdom has a comprehensive set of laws to deal with domestic violence, including protection units throughout the country. The nation’s legislation also complies with international conventions, he said.

Al-Qahtani said there was poor understanding in the community of what constitutes domestic violence, with many not knowing the difference between harm and the discipline necessary for family unity.

He said officers working for a family police unit should be trained and include psychologists and social workers who can deal with family issues at police stations. They should also deal directly with the Social Affairs Ministry to resolve disputes.

Mohammad Al-Harbi, director general of social protection at the ministry, said his directorate has handled 200 cases this year, with 20 people taken to social welfare centers.