Ayşe Nazlı Gani – Social Work Graduate, Class of 2023
Violence against women is a form of gender-based power and oppression that causes women physical, psychological or economic harm (Heise, 1998). According to the United Nations, this type of violence is not only an individual issue but also a structural problem and constitutes a violation of women’s human rights (United Nations, 1993).
Power relations shaped by gender roles manifest themselves in patriarchal social structures where men behave as if they have the authority to make decisions over women and adopt controlling attitudes. In addition to the physical violence men inflict on women, attitudes and behaviours that restrict women’s economic independence often result in women becoming economically dependent on men.
When a woman experiences violence, the mentality that is still widespread in our society, expressed in phrases such as “men will be men” or “he’s your husband, he beats you but he also loves you”, must be challenged and dismantled.
Portraying violence against women as something ordinary and commonplace in television series is one of the key factors that contributes to its normalisation in society. In news reports about violence against women, there is frequently a media language that either legitimises violence or effectively provides a “blueprint” for how another potential femicide could be committed. While the perpetrator’s name and photo are often hidden, the photos, names and the detailed methods by which women are killed are widely shared (Süreli, 2023).
Another area that particularly draws attention today is the lyrics of certain songs in the Turkish rap category. In many of these songs, a language that devalues, objectifies and insults women is frequently used.
One of the significant problems encountered in the field is the difficulty faced by women who are subjected to violence when they apply to public institutions. Delays in intervention, institutional inadequacies and the slow progress of legal processes can all lead women who experience violence to feel helpless and fall into despair.
Preventing violence against women is only possible if every individual in society becomes more aware of this issue, refuses to normalise violence, if relevant institutions intervene effectively, and if existing laws are implemented in a consistent and effective manner.
References
Heise, L. (1998). Violence Against Women: An Integrated, Ecological Framework. Violence Against Women.
United Nations (1993). Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Süreli, H. (2023). Medya ve Kadına Yönelik Şiddet Dili Üzerine Bir İnceleme [An Analysis of Media Language on Violence Against Women].
