07.07.2004 - Source: World Organisation Against Torture

Domestic violence against women ("Violence Against Women - 10 reports - year 2003") [#24621],  [ID 13369]

"Domestic violence is a grave problem in Turkey with as many as 90% of
Turkish women experiencing violence at the hands of their husbands and
boyfriends.This violence within the home takes both physical and psychological
forms. Many women report that their husbands beat them on
their wedding night. Although the problem of domestic violence is
extensive in Turkey, there is no comprehensive legislation concerning
domestic violence.
[...]
A new law passed in 1998 strengthens protection orders for domestic violence
victims, allowing a variety of measures to be taken, including,
ordering the perpetrator “not to use violence or threatening behavior
against the other spouse or children . . . , to leave the abode shared with
the spouse or children and not to approach the abode . . . or their places of
work, not to damage the property of the spouse or children . . . , not to
cause distress to the spouse or children . . . using means of communication,
to surrender a weapon or other similar instruments to the police,
[and] not to arrive at the shared abode while under the influence of alcohol
or other intoxicating substances . . . .” Although this represents a
step in the right direction, the application of this law has been unworkable
given the prevailing attitudes of law enforcement officers.
The shelters that exist in Turkey are widely utilized by abused women,
indicating the necessity for such mechanisms. Sadly, several shelters have
closed in past years due to lack of funding. In many regions there are no
shelters at all."

Document(s): Introduction and Contents
Cover Turkey

07.07.2004 - Source: World Organisation Against Torture

Changes to civil code regarding women ("Violence Against Women - 10 reports - year 2003") [#24621],  [ID 13370]

"[...] Several noteworthy changes to the Code reflect the new approach to gender equality: 1) The husband is no longer the head of the family; spouses are equal partners, jointly running the matrimonial union with equal decision-making powers; 2) Spouses have equal rights over the family abode; 3) Spouses have equal rights over property acquired during marriage; 4) Spouses have equal representative powers; 5) The concept of “illegitimacy” formerly used to designate children born out of wedlock has been abolished; custody of children born outside marriage lies with the mother. The new Civil Code has also raised the legal minimum age for marriage to 18 (it was formerly 15 for women and 17 for men), gives the same inheritance rights to children born outside the marriage, gives single parents the right to adopt children, and gives women the right to retain their maiden names when hyphenated with that of their spouses.”
[...]
OMCT also notes with concern that the Turkish Penal Code still contains
several discriminatory articles - in particular regarding rape."

Document(s): Introduction and Contents
Cover Turkey