Domestic violence is a concern that needs to be taken into account and stopped all over the world, and Turkey is no exception. As we have read and watched in the news for years, dozens of people, especially women and children, are getting exposed to and harmed by domestic violence every year. To decrease these crime rates, people need to be more informed about domestic violence in Turkey. For this reason, in this article, we will mention domestic violence in Turkey in more detail.
Statistics on Violence Against Women
Unfortunately, for years, domestic violence in Turkey has been a serious problem that affects women regardless of their ages, social statuses, and geographic locations. When we take a look at domestic violence in Turkey statistics, the rate of women in various age groups in Turkey who are exposed to domestic violence is high when compared to other countries.
According to the statistics in 2018, 12.1% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 stated that, within the previous year, they had experienced physical or sexual abuse at the hands of a past intimate or current partner. Today, the rates are still high.
Legal Framework Against Domestic Violence
The legal framework against domestic violence in Turkey includes several legislations, laws, and rules. One example of a legal framework in Turkey can be Law to Protect Family and Prevent Violence Against Women No. 6284, which offers protection against domestic abuse in general for everyone. Also, its goal is to protect women, children, and their relatives who have either experienced violence or are in danger of it. Furthermore, Article 58 of the Turkish Obligations Law No. 6098 specifies that claims for non-material damages are permissible in cases of infringement on personal rights.
Recent Legislative Changes
As for the recent legislative changes, Turkey signed the Istanbul Convention, a Council of Europe agreement designed to stop and prohibit domestic abuse and violence against women. State responsibility to prevent violence against women, protect domestic violence victims, and prosecute perpetrators is emphasized in the convention. However, it was later terminated.
You can check out women's rights organizations, non-governmental organizations, or government announcements for more information about the changes.
Role of the Turkish Penal Code
The Turkish Penal Code is the fundamental law regarding criminal law in Turkey. Its primary goal is to create a modern and democratic criminal law system according to individual rights and freedoms. It also plays a vital role in the field of domestic violence in Turkey. The Penal Code establishes the definition of crimes and offenses, giving the prosecution of those who commit domestic violence a legal foundation. This covers mistreatment in the form of physical harm, psychological assault, and other behaviors. It also clarifies the sanctions for anyone found guilty of crimes, including domestic violence. The type and intensity of the violence can impact the severity of the punishment.
State Protection and Enforcement
The government addresses domestic violence in Turkey through a variety of legislative initiatives and legal laws. The nation is continuously concentrating on offering professional training to law enforcement, medical experts, and social workers to improve the efficacy of the response to domestic abuse. To ensure a more sympathetic and useful reaction, the government works to improve understanding, sensitivity, and professionalism in handling domestic abuse cases.
Support Mechanisms for Victims
For domestic violence victims, Turkey provides help for them with different services like shelters or rehabilitation shelters, working together with non-governmental organizations or various government agencies. With such services, the victims of domestic violence in Turkey are tried to be taken care of.
In the case of domestic violence in Turkey, you need a family lawyer in Turkey to solve the case. Our Turkish lawyer firm, Istanbul Lawyer Firm, offers consultancy under Turkish family law. Our experienced and English-speaking lawyers deal with many different areas of Turkish family law, like children’s or women’s rights in Turkey. For solving family cases or getting legal assistance, you can contact us.
Shelters
In Turkey, domestic violence victims are given safe spaces by the government with the aim of protection. For instance, Mor Çatı Women’s Shelter Foundation meets the temporary shelter needs of women who are subjected to violence or at risk, together with their children. In addition to safe shelter, women and children are provided with security, consultancy, psychological support, legal support, medical support, educational support, allowance, nursery, and vocational training courses directly or by referring them to relevant institutions.
Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation services, such as violence prevention and monitoring centers, have been established under the regulations of the 6284 Law to Protect Family and Prevent Violence Against Women. These centers offer support and monitoring services intending to prevent domestic violence in Turkey and ensure that protective and preventive measures are implemented effectively.
You can reach our previous article from https://istanbullawyerfirm.com/blog/the-legal-framework-of-womens-rights-in-turkey