Landmark women’s law approved by President Gül
ANKARA-Hürriyet Daily News
A landmark bill increasing protection for women against violence took effect yesterday following its publication in the Official Gazette upon approval by President Abdullah Gül.The legislation, which Gül signed into law late March 19, was passed on a unanimous vote in Parliament on March 8, International Women’s Day, in a rare show of harmony between the ruling party and the opposition.
The legislation introduces tough measures against abusers and significantly boosts state assistance for victims, It provides protection for all women: married, divorced, engaged or in a relationship. In cases of life-threatening danger, security chiefs will be able to issue restraining orders without a court ruling.
The law introduces new technologies such as “panic button” necklaces that abused women would wear to alert police when they are in danger and ankle monitors to track men charged with abusing females.
Under the law, the government will establish Violence Monitoring Centers across Turkey to provide legal, economic, and psychological support for abused women.
