Majority of Turkish women subjected to violence, pursue legal means: Survey

Some 86 percent of women in a recent study by Turkey's Ministry of Family and Social Policies said they have been subjected to physical or psychological violence by their partners or family, and pursued legal proceedings in the aftermath, revealing the prevalence of violence against women across the country.

The research was undertaken by Turkey's family ministry investigate a current law in place to protect families and prevent violence against women. 

According to the survey, which was conducted by interviewing some 841 women across 10 Turkish provinces alongside some 479 men who admitted resorting to violence, only around 43 percent of women who take legal action decide to continue their relationships afterwards. This figure rises to 64 percent among married women. 

Physical violence is among the most common forms of violence, with some 70 percent of women reporting that they were physically assaulted by partners, family members or neighbors. On the other hand, psychological violence was reported to be the most prevalent form of violence among people who received little or no schooling, as 82 percent said they face this type of assault. 

Three out of four women said they decided to litigate only after being exposed to violence for a second time. Some 87 percent of these women went to the police to file their application. 

Meanwhile, 80 percent of the men who admitted violently acting out against women said they had never heard of the law to prevent violence against women. Indeed, only 39 percent of men believe the law is successful in preventing violence, while some 49 percent of women consider the law "successful."

The setbacks in the full application of the law are considered the primary obstacles in its rate...