Legal Implications of Turkey’s Accessions to the Istanbul Convention by Enacting and Refining Its Laws on Violence Against Women

Abstract

This study examines Turkey's Law No. 6284, which was enacted pursuant to the Istanbul Convention's obligations for signatories to combat and prevent violence against women. The law aims to provide both protection and prevention measures to assist women and their families. However, the nation has struggled with the implementation of consistent responses to family violence. The article argues that, although Turkey has done much to implement the Istanbul Convention, the nation's male-dominated mentality and the emphasis on family coherence and harmony rather than women as individuals hinders effective responses to gender violence.