Family is, quite rightly, considered the cornerstone of life in the UAE – and the institution of marriage is at its very heart. Strong family units translate into a strong society, and marriage is where that all starts. Yet, as important as they are to individuals, communities and the country as a whole, marriages do not always go smoothly and sometimes fail. However, it’s in everybody’s interest if that is the exception rather than the rule.
Divorce is a worldwide phenomenon, and it is becoming more common. In the United States, it’s now estimated that one in two marriages will fail. In the UK the figure is 42 per cent. While no recent comparable figure exists, divorce has generally been on the rise in the UAE, with the Dubai Statistic Centre reporting earlier this year that the overall number of divorces in that emirate rose 40 per cent between 2011 and 2013.
Apart from the upheaval divorce causes within families, it puts a burden on state resources. Contested cases especially take up valuable court time, often prolonging what is already a painful experience for everyone involved. The courts, of course, must be fair and rigorous in their dealings, especially as divorce almost inevitably involves the redistribution of assets and usually the all-important question of the custody of minor children. While there are cases where divorce is the only possible path – for instance, in the case of abandonment or a physically or mentally abusive relationship – it can also be seen as an easy way out. Many damaged marriages can be mended with understanding, patience and goodwill. Sometimes that requires a little outside help.
As The National reported yesterday, there has been a positive recent trend in Abu Dhabi, with the number of registered divorces in the first quarter of this year 9 per cent lower than the comparable period in 2013. The difference is partly explained by the fact that more couples are agreeing to seek alternative solutions offered by the Family Guidance Department. The counsellors at the department boast success in 79 per cent of referred cases – up from 77 per cent the previous year. However, their case load also increased, by 5 per cent, meaning that more couples have been taking the first steps toward divorce.
There is no reason to stay in an abusive or violent marriage, but every relationship deserves the opportunity, and assistance, to succeed.
