Authorities violated rights of domestic violence victim after delaying protective measures: Turkish top court

Oya Armutçu – ANKARA

The Turkish Constitution Court has ruled that the authorities violated the rights of a domestic violence victim after the victim experienced a significant delay in protective measures ordered by an Istanbul local court. 

The measures, which entitled the domestic abuse victim and her son to a name change and financial payments, only came into effect nine months after the local court ruling.

As a consequence, the woman complained about the Istanbul governor’s office and the provincial directorate of family and social policies, stating that the officials employed at these institutions had “neglected their duty.”

In its ruling, the top court said the delay had been caused by a “deficiency of coordination between judiciary and administrative offices.” It also said the woman should receive 15,000 Turkish liras (around $3,900) in damages for mental anguish due to the relevant authorities’ failure to fulfill their duties on time and putting the complainant in a difficult situation.

The Finance Ministry is set to pay the woman within four months.