Divorce rate down 12% in 2013

Rabiatul Kamit
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

DIVORCE rates across the nation dropped by 12 per cent in 2013, according to the latest official statistics released by the government.

The Department of Economic Planning and Development’s key indicators available on its website show that fewer marriages ended in divorce, with 502 divorces filed in 2013 compared with 570 in 2012.

Most of the divorces, totaling 369 cases, were in Brunei-Muara District, where over half the country’s population resides.

The figure showed an 8.6 per cent decrease from 2012.

Tutong District recorded the biggest decline at 35.2 per cent with 44 divorces in 2013 compared with 68 in 2012.

Meanwhile, Belait District saw a 10.3 per cent drop to 78 divorces from 87 in 2012.

Divorce rates in Temburong District, Brunei’s least populous district, remained the same in 2013 with only 11 divorces.

Of the types of divorces filed in 2013, 469 were among Muslim marriages and 33 were among civil marriages.

Although 2013 showed a decline in divorce rates nationwide from 2012, the statistics were higher than 2011, when 334 divorces were recorded.

It was previously reported that post-marriage courses were proven effective in reducing the number of divorces nationwide.

The three-day course, organised by the Family Counseling Service Section at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, aimed to raise awareness of the roles and responsibilities of married couples in fortifying the family institution.

It took place for the first time in Tutong and Belait districts last year.

However, three courses have been held in Brunei-Muara District in recent years.

There were also plans to hold the course in Temburong District.

A previous survey based on 583 marital complaints received by the ministry found that the most common causes of divorces were irreconcilable differences as well as neglect of responsibilities and providing nafkah (sustenance).

Irreconcilable differences topped the list of reasons for divorces with 193 complaints or 33.15 per cent, followed by neglect of responsibilities with 184 complaints or 31.73 per cent.

Other reasons for divorces listed in the survey included infidelity, violence, absent spouse or foreign spouse not returning from the country of origin, polygamy, drug abuse and spouses in detention or prison.


Sumber - The Brunei Times