MEDİNE MAMEDOĞLU

Amed (Diyarbakır)- The number of women subjected to violence keeps rising in Turkey. While the number of women dying under suspicious circumstances increases in the country, the judicial system, the policy of impunity and masculine language are considered as the main reasons for the increase in gender-based violence. Facing difficulties in obtaining protection orders and legal measures, keep struggling in Turkey, where gender-based violence is almost ‘institutionalized’. The Rosa Women’s Association based in Amed (Diyarbakır) has provided legal, psychological and financial support to women victims of violence since it was founded. NuJINHA spoke to Raife Camcı, Board member of the association, about the activities of the association.

 ‘There is an increase in gender-based violence in Turkey’

Pointing out that there is an alarming increase in gender-based violence and femicide during the rule of the AKP-MHP government, Raife Camcı said, “While women should have more rights in the 21st century, the situation is opposite. The attacks on women’s rights have been intensifying. We observe a serious increase in femicide and violence against women cases. Actually, we can say that there is a serious increase in femicide and violence against women cases not only in Turkey but also all around the world.”

‘We receive two application every day’

Expressing that the Rosa Women’s Association carries out activities to combat violence against women and to support women, Raife Camcı told us that the association receives two applications from women subjected to violence every day. “Women, who are subjected to physical, psychological and economic violence, apply to our association to receive support. We carry out activities for women to make a difference and build confidence. Gender-based violence is alarming not only in Turkey but also all around the world. In Diyarbakır, three women were killed by men in the last week. Although we struggle to combat gender-based violence, unfortunately, we see our society has become a more conservative society.”

‘The appointed trustees are one of the reasons for the increasing femicide cases’

The Ministry of Interior appointed trustees to the municipalities in the Kurdish cities of Turkey. The state-appointed trustees deactivated the helpline for victims of violence and closed down the women’s shelters and women’s organizations affiliated to the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality. “The appointed trustees are one of the reasons for the increasing femicide and violence against women cases in the city,” Raife Camcı said, “Women, who are subjected to violence, are left alone. Women have no place to apply when they are subjected to violence. Gender-based violence is now alarming.”

 ‘We will keep struggling’

Raife Camcı thinks another reason for the increase in femicide and violence against women is the failure in the implementation of the existing laws protecting women. Turkey withdrew from the Istanbul Convention. Law No. 6284 to Protect Family and Prevent Violence against Women is the only law in Turkey protecting women from violence; however, it has not been effectively implemented. The existing policy of immunity is another reason for the increase in femicide and violence against women. As women’s organizations, we will keep struggling for the active implementation of Law No.6284. We will keep protecting our rights and achievements.”