Introduction Femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) in Turkey have reached alarming levels, despite legal reforms and growing public awareness. The persistence of these crimes highlights systemic failures rooted in patriarchal norms, political rhetoric, and inadequacies in legal enforcement. This study critically examines the sociocultural and legal landscape that contributes to the crisis, offering insights into its causes and potential solutions. Methods This study employs a critical examination of secondary sources, including legal frameworks, feminist discourse, and statistical data on femicide and GBV in Turkey. The analysis is guided by feminist legal theory and structural violence theory, which contextualise gendered violence within broader sociopolitical structures. The study draws on statistical data collected between 2018 and 2023 from national reports and feminist monitoring platforms. The study adopts the definition of femicide as the gender-related killing of women and girls, typically perpetrated by intimate partners or family members, as outlined in the works of Radford and Russell (1992) and the UN Women (2011). This conceptualisation distinguishes femicide from other forms of homicide by emphasising the gendered motivations behind the act. Results Findings indicate that patriarchal norms, political discourse, and judicial inefficiencies contribute significantly to the persistence of femicide and GBV. The withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention has further weakened protective mechanisms. Survivors often face systemic barriers, including police inaction, judicial leniency, and inadequate support services. Statistical trends show fluctuating but persistently high femicide rates, with many cases misclassified as suspicious deaths. Conclusions The study underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to combating femicide and GBV. While legal reforms are necessary, they must be accompanied by cultural and educational initiatives to challenge deep-seated gender biases. Survivor narratives underscore the importance of robust enforcement mechanisms and comprehensive support systems. Policy Implications The findings emphasise the need for policy interventions, including the reinstatement of international legal protections, such as the Istanbul Convention, enhanced enforcement of existing laws, and the expansion of support services for survivors. Additionally, educational and media campaigns should aim to shift societal attitudes towards gender equality. A coordinated effort among government institutions, civil society, and international organisations is essential to establish a sustainable framework for combating GBV in Turkey.

Sociocultural and Legal Dimensions of Femicide and Gender-Based Violence in Turkey

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发表日期：

2025年9月24日

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Ömer Gökhan Ulum

摘要

Introduction

Femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) in Turkey have reached alarming levels, despite legal reforms and growing public awareness. The persistence of these crimes highlights systemic failures rooted in patriarchal norms, political rhetoric, and inadequacies in legal enforcement. This study critically examines the sociocultural and legal landscape that contributes to the crisis, offering insights into its causes and potential solutions.

Methods

This study employs a critical examination of secondary sources, including legal frameworks, feminist discourse, and statistical data on femicide and GBV in Turkey. The analysis is guided by feminist legal theory and structural violence theory, which contextualise gendered violence within broader sociopolitical structures. The study draws on statistical data collected between 2018 and 2023 from national reports and feminist monitoring platforms. The study adopts the definition of femicide as the gender-related killing of women and girls, typically perpetrated by intimate partners or family members, as outlined in the works of Radford and Russell (1992) and the UN Women (2011). This conceptualisation distinguishes femicide from other forms of homicide by emphasising the gendered motivations behind the act.

Results

Findings indicate that patriarchal norms, political discourse, and judicial inefficiencies contribute significantly to the persistence of femicide and GBV. The withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention has further weakened protective mechanisms. Survivors often face systemic barriers, including police inaction, judicial leniency, and inadequate support services. Statistical trends show fluctuating but persistently high femicide rates, with many cases misclassified as suspicious deaths.

Conclusions

The study underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to combating femicide and GBV. While legal reforms are necessary, they must be accompanied by cultural and educational initiatives to challenge deep-seated gender biases. Survivor narratives underscore the importance of robust enforcement mechanisms and comprehensive support systems.

Policy Implications

The findings emphasise the need for policy interventions, including the reinstatement of international legal protections, such as the Istanbul Convention, enhanced enforcement of existing laws, and the expansion of support services for survivors. Additionally, educational and media campaigns should aim to shift societal attitudes towards gender equality. A coordinated effort among government institutions, civil society, and international organisations is essential to establish a sustainable framework for combating GBV in Turkey.