(SABAH)
President Abdullah Gül has approved a new law geared towards preventing violence against women, which was first passed by Turkey's Grand National Assembly on March 8th.
The law is a product of an eight month project initiated by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy and includes a more comprehensive definition of violence, a roadmap to prevent it and the responsibilities which befalls the judiciary.
The following is a list of ten questions that will enlighten the details of Turkey's new law on violence against women:
Who will benefit?: Women, children and family members who have been subjected to violence or are at risk.
What does 'violence' entail?: Abuse or suffering as a result of any physical, sexual, psychological or economical action will from here on out be defined as 'violence'.
Where can vıctıms seek help?: For help, victims of violence may contact the closest police station, the ALO 183 helpline as well as any 'Violence Prevention and Tracking Center' which will be set up in provinces throughout the country and will operate 24 hours, seven days a week.
Who will decide who needs protection?: Local authorities and judges will decide who is eligible for protection services. Local authorities will provide shelter; consulting services and the state will offer childcare. Judges will be able to decide whether the victim should be relocated and given a new identity.
What will happen to those responsible for committing violence?: Based on a judge ruling, perpetrators may be legally restrained from coming near the victim's place of work, home or school. They will have to be escorted while seeing their children. They may be forced to receive psychological treatment. If they carry a weapon, they may be made to hand it over. If they are employed they may be required to pay temporary alimony.
What happens if they violate these conditions?: Should the perpetrator not follow the conditions applied to them, they may be held in custody anywhere from three to ten days. If the perpetrator violates the ruling against them a second time, they may then be held for up to six months.
What will state financial support include?: Victims will be offered one thirtieth the amount of minimum wage daily. If the individual under protection has to care for additional people (for example their children) they will be given an additional 20 percent of the aforementioned figure for every individual they are responsible for.
How will medical expenses be compensated for?: Rehabilitation costs and medical expenses will be covered by the state for individuals that do not have General Health Insurance.
How will victims be tracked?: The Violence Prevention and Tracking centers will be in charge of coordinating this duty.
How will a mental trasnformation be instilled in society?: The subject of 'male and female equality' will be added to elementary school curriculum. In addition, the Ministry will broadcast public television messages totaling 90 minutes a month. All public establishment employees will undergo training on women and human rights and male and female equality.
