Are there government entities or non-governmental organizations in Jordan that provide assistance in cases of domestic violence against women?

Yes, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan provides specialized government entities to offer assistance and protection to women facing domestic violence. The primary entity responsible for this is the Family and Juvenile Protection Department under the Public Security Directorate [6]. This department provides specialized security and sector-specific services for cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence, maintaining the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality [6]. The service delivery journey begins from the prevention stage through to sheltering, including immediate response and the provision of medical and psychological services to protect victims [7].

How to Request Emergency Assistance in Jordan

In the event of a direct threat to personal safety or exposure to immediate danger, the top priority is to ensure safety [1]. In Jordan, the number (911) is the unified emergency number designated for reporting any life-threatening situation, including cases of violence and ambulance needs [4], [5]. The Public Security Directorate also provides a dedicated number for deaf individuals, which is (114), offering video call service to report emergencies [4], [5].

When calling emergency services, it is advised to remain calm and focused to answer the dispatcher's questions clearly, follow their instructions, and avoid unnecessary details to ensure a rapid response [5]. Reports of negative incidents can also be submitted via WhatsApp at (0797911911) or by using the "Amn 911" (Security 911) application available on smartphones [5].

The Role of the Family and Juvenile Protection Department

The Family and Juvenile Protection Department works to provide a nurturing environment that strengthens family security. Its services include receiving reports, conducting investigations, and gathering evidence, in addition to providing protection based on judicial orders and facilitating settlements in specific cases [7]. The department's role is not limited to security measures; it extends to holding case conferences and referring women who have been subjected to violence to specialized service providers to meet their medical and psychological needs, as well as providing shelter services in cooperation with partners [7].

Steps for Safety Planning and Preserving Evidence

Guidelines indicate that domestic violence rarely improves on its own and may escalate over time [1]. Therefore, if you are considering leaving the relationship or seeking help, it is important to create a safety plan. You should keep copies of evidence, such as photos of injuries or threatening text messages, in a safe place that the abuser cannot access [1].

You can turn to a trusted person to support you and discuss your options, while being cautious about the possibility that the abuser may be monitoring electronic devices and phones [1]. To learn more about how to identify and deal with abuse, you can read our article on Domestic Violence Against Women in Jordan: Identifying Signs and Seeking Help (Arabic).

When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Care?

Domestic violence can cause physical injuries of varying severity, as well as long-term health and psychological effects including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and problems in various body systems [2]. In case of any physical injury or sexual assault, you must obtain immediate medical care, as medical documentation of injuries contributes to protecting the victim's rights [1].

Medical references

• Intimate Partner Violence
• About Intimate Partner Violence
• مديرية الأمن العام - تواصل معنا
• مديرية الأمن العام - فلاشات توعوية
• مديرية الأمن العام - إدارة حماية الأسرة والأحداث
• مديرية الأمن العام - منظومة الحماية من العنف الأسري