Fazilet Özdenefe calls for state action on gender violence in Nicosia

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Fazilet Özdenefe issued a written statement after a public assault on a young woman in Lefkoşa (Nicosia). She said the attack caused deep sorrow in society and urged a multi‑dimensional assessment of the incident.

Özdenefe highlighted rapid demographic changes, migration policies, oversight gaps and social‑security concerns, stressing that gender‑based violence stems from male‑dominated attitudes regardless of ethnicity. She argued that the state's role is not limited to punishing perpetrators but must also tackle structural inequalities, implement effective protective and preventive mechanisms, and adapt policies to evolving social conditions. She concluded that combating gender‑based violence is an unavoidable responsibility of the state.