TURKEY: Activists Hopeful New Bill Will Reduce Violence Against Women
Today’s Zaman reported on 22 July that violence against women continues to be a serious problem in Turkey. Women’s civil society groups have reason to be hopeful, since the newly founded Ministry of Family and Social Policy has been working on a draft law to reduce violence against women, but the groups also advise caution because any new laws need to be effectively implemented. The “Draft Law to Protect Women and Family Members from Violence,” which will be introduced in Parliament by Fatma Şahin, the newly appointed minister of family and social policy, has been sent to more than 80 civil society organizations, professional associations, universities, bar associations, international organizations and unions. Meltem Ağduk, of UNFPA said that it is important that the law applies to women whether they are married or unmarried. “It is important that the law foresees special directorates inside and outside the prosecutor’s office. It is also positive that an individuals’ application to the prosecutor’s office will be kept secret,” she said. Read: Today’s Zaman