RIYADH: Recent statistics by the Ministry of Justice reveal high divorce rates in the Kingdom. There were 44,939 cases filed in 1435 AH and and 46,373 cases in 1436 AH.
Studies show cases of divorce and family disputes are among the main motives for young men and women joining terrorist organizations and engaging in criminal activity. A study conducted by Abdullah Al-Askar for Prince Naif University for Security Sciences reveals 64 percent of prison inmates in the central, eastern and western regions are from broken families.
The decision of the Council of Ministers, regarding the regulations of the Family Affairs Council, stipulates its main role in addressing cases of family conflicts through awareness, counseling and programs aimed at all members of the family. Experts agree the council will have long-term security and social implications for the community and members of Saudi families.
However, according to the director of Mawada for Family Development, Mohammed Al-Radi, there is a big misunderstanding about divorce in the Kingdom. He said 45 percent of divorces involve annulment of the marriage contract, with the separation taking place before the marriage is consummated.
He said the Ministry of Justice must clarify cases of divorce more accurately because it relies on a computer system that only counts cases without any instrument, and in recent years the statistics have not been entirely accurate.
He said the Kingdom ranks third in the Gulf in terms of the incidence of divorce after Kuwait and the UAE.
Contributing problems, said family counselor Abdullah Al-Salman, are a lack of preparation among spouses before marriage, as well as the lack of a comprehensive family program to promote awareness and promote messages of dealing with problems amicably. He said the Family Affairs Council will play a big role in addressing these challenges faced by families in a comprehensive and interactive way. He said there are some proposals to address these issues and reduce the phenomenon of divorce in the Kingdom, which include establishing a family leadership diploma program for a semester prior to marriage in order to enhance preparation and understanding between the parties. Correctional and mediation committees and courts can also play a role in mediating between parties, while other supportive programs, including financial programs, can help address main issues.
Other experts agree that more personal development is essential to preparing individuals for marriage and dealing with others in a partnership, as well as ensuring statistics regarding divorce rates are accurate in order to better address challenges and root causes. Programs by civil society organizations are key to addressing these challenges, experts agree.
Family counselor and psychologist, Dr. Sahar Rajab, said lack of awareness about rights and responsibilities is one of these root causes that must be addressed, while maintaining privacy and family secrets within a marriage is essential to ensuring its longevity. In the case of a disagreement or misunderstanding, the parties involved should resort to a specialist for assistance in solving the issue, as well as to help couples move past the honeymoon phase successfully, she said.
Studies show cases of divorce and family disputes are among the main motives for young men and women joining terrorist organizations and engaging in criminal activity. A study conducted by Abdullah Al-Askar for Prince Naif University for Security Sciences reveals 64 percent of prison inmates in the central, eastern and western regions are from broken families.
The decision of the Council of Ministers, regarding the regulations of the Family Affairs Council, stipulates its main role in addressing cases of family conflicts through awareness, counseling and programs aimed at all members of the family. Experts agree the council will have long-term security and social implications for the community and members of Saudi families.
However, according to the director of Mawada for Family Development, Mohammed Al-Radi, there is a big misunderstanding about divorce in the Kingdom. He said 45 percent of divorces involve annulment of the marriage contract, with the separation taking place before the marriage is consummated.
He said the Ministry of Justice must clarify cases of divorce more accurately because it relies on a computer system that only counts cases without any instrument, and in recent years the statistics have not been entirely accurate.
He said the Kingdom ranks third in the Gulf in terms of the incidence of divorce after Kuwait and the UAE.
Contributing problems, said family counselor Abdullah Al-Salman, are a lack of preparation among spouses before marriage, as well as the lack of a comprehensive family program to promote awareness and promote messages of dealing with problems amicably. He said the Family Affairs Council will play a big role in addressing these challenges faced by families in a comprehensive and interactive way. He said there are some proposals to address these issues and reduce the phenomenon of divorce in the Kingdom, which include establishing a family leadership diploma program for a semester prior to marriage in order to enhance preparation and understanding between the parties. Correctional and mediation committees and courts can also play a role in mediating between parties, while other supportive programs, including financial programs, can help address main issues.
Other experts agree that more personal development is essential to preparing individuals for marriage and dealing with others in a partnership, as well as ensuring statistics regarding divorce rates are accurate in order to better address challenges and root causes. Programs by civil society organizations are key to addressing these challenges, experts agree.
Family counselor and psychologist, Dr. Sahar Rajab, said lack of awareness about rights and responsibilities is one of these root causes that must be addressed, while maintaining privacy and family secrets within a marriage is essential to ensuring its longevity. In the case of a disagreement or misunderstanding, the parties involved should resort to a specialist for assistance in solving the issue, as well as to help couples move past the honeymoon phase successfully, she said.
