Violence towards women and girls is a global human rights problem

Cyprus International University (CIU) Women and Gender Studies Research Center (WGRC) President Assist. Prof. Dr. Mihrican Aylanç, in a statement she made in relation to 25th November International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, stated that violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent, and devastating human rights violations in the world, and continues to increase at a great amount due to impunity, silence, stigma, and shame.

Explaining that the global epidemic has disproportionately pushed women and girls into more social and economic poverty, Aylanç added that due to the increasing risk of violence, emergency action plans have become inevitable in all societies.

Also speaking in relation to the "Law Proposal for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Protection of Persons Subject to Domestic Violence", which was presented in our country to the public in April, Aylanç expressed that the law in question is an important action plan in relation to the fight against violence.

Aylanç continued, "I can say that this proposal is one of the urgent measures that has been designed in a gender-sensitive, fair, and effective manner, in order to organize both the support and services to be provided to the victims of violence in our country".

Aylanç drew attention to the importance of women’s leadership in the fight against violence against women, and reminded of the importance of including men in the fight also.

Advising that health, social, and justice support interventions should not come on to the agenda only when there is an occurrence of violence against women, Aylanç informed, "Primarily aimed at preventing violence should be practices that include efforts such as addressing social norms and gender power imbalances".

Underlining the fact that violence against women is a crime, Aylanç went on to state, “Among the steps to be taken in preventing this crime, is the increase of accountability and the ending impunity for perpetrators by the police and judicial systems”.

Emphasizing the importance of achieving the goals of socially sustainable development, equality, and peace without leaving anyone behind, Aylanç said that it is necessary to support the end of violence against women and girls.