Uzbekistan toughens penalties for domestic violence against children

The changes to Article 59-2 of the Administrative Code impose penalties for minor physical abuse that does not result in short-term health impairment or significant loss of ability to work. Offenders may face fines ranging from 10 to 20 base calculation values (BCV) or up to 15 days of administrative arrest.

Additionally, modifications to Article 126-1 of the Criminal Code now include provisions for domestic violence against children. Under the new law, if a child suffers minor injuries that do not lead to short-term health impairment, the penalties include a fine ranging from 20 to 30 BCV, compulsory community service of 160 to 300 hours, or corrective labor for up to two years.

If the injuries cause temporary health issues lasting between six and 21 days, or minor permanent disability, the offender may be fined 30 to 70 BCV, required to complete 300 to 360 hours of community service, or face corrective labor or restricted freedom for one to two years. In cases of more severe injury, where health problems last between 21 days and four months or result in a significant permanent disability of 10% to 33%, the offender could face 360 to 480 hours of community service, corrective labor for two to three years, or imprisonment for two to three years.

Previously, these laws only covered domestic violence involving spouses, former spouses, or individuals with a child in common. The new amendments significantly extend legal protection to children within the family.

Furthermore, changes to the Criminal Procedure Code clarify that reconciliation in domestic violence cases can only be requested at any stage of the court proceedings, but before the judge retires to the deliberation room.