Dersim –The cases of violence, rape, and abuse against women and children in Turkey have been on the rise. The Istanbul Convention was a lifeline for women; however, Turkey withdrew from the convention on combating violence against women. The perpetrators of crimes against women and children go unpunished or are awarded short-term prison sentences. After Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, the number of crimes against women and children has increased in the country.

Yesterday, eight persons, including children, were taken into custody in the Pertek district of Dersim province on charges of “sexually abusing” two girls as part of an investigation launched by the Pertek Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Seven out of eight persons have been reportedly sent to prison.

The Pertek Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has reportedly issued a confidentiality order on the investigation file.