Domestic violence law debate intensifies following Saliha Özkol killing

Following the killing of Saliha Özkol, calls have intensified for the passage of a long-awaited Domestic Violence Law. The Support for Women's Life Association (KAYAD) noted that a draft law prepared by civil society organizations has been awaiting parliamentary approval for six years.

The proposed legislation aims to move beyond mere punishment of perpetrators. It seeks to establish a unified legal framework to identify risks before violence occurs, create effective protection and monitoring mechanisms, and ensure coordinated action between police, social services, health, and education sectors. The draft also proposes the creation of Violence Prevention and Monitoring Centers to provide legal, psychological, and social support.

In response to the debate, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Fazilet Özdenefe stated that the absence of a standalone “Domestic Violence Law” should not create the perception that no legal regulations exist. She noted that existing Family Law and the 2014 TOCED Law already provide for protection orders and inter-institutional coordination. Özdenefe questioned why existing mechanisms failed to protect victims like Özkol, who had already obtained protection orders, suggesting the issue lies in the implementation and follow-up of these orders rather than a total lack of legislation.