The target woman is not spending any money on him, or she is not willing to take him abroad. Then he starts his violence. These people usually make up stories in order to find excuses for violence. They keep lying and expect women to buy this. However, I know a friend who bought the following lie: “Yes, I slapped you because I was so jealous when I saw you speaking to that guy.”The fact is that this is only the beginning; then the guy starts to threaten to kill her and ruin her emotionally.
Understanding the victim
It is of the utmost importance to understand how a victim of violence feels.
A victim of violence is usually not in a situation where she can reasonably evaluate the circumstances and facts and come to a wise conclusion. A victim of violence is usually far from understanding the consequences and has already lost control in the relationship. In most cases, the victim is either frightened by threats or she is in an emotional situation similar to Stockholm syndrome.
There may be several reasons: She might be frightened of further violence. She might still be saying: “Oh no! I love him. I don’t know what to do.”
What should you do when you witness violence?
If you know a woman who is a victim of violence, please report this immediately to the police, to the prosecutor’s office at a courthouse, to the local governor or to an NGO or a bar association (many bar associations do have a desk for the protection of women). Usually battered women are quite frightened, and they cannot decide whether to report the violence. Someone has to do this. There is no way out of violence other than reporting it. This may save her life.
Take this as a matter of first aid. Would you keep away? Would you ask the consent of a person who needs first aid?
The person who perpetrated the violence will not dare to do the same thing a second time, and if he does, the sanctions will be heavier for him.
If you still feel this is something that you should not be involved in, send the documentation or e-mail to an NGO or the authorities at least by post or e-mail with supporting evidence. This will give the victim a chance to get out of this.
Whether you decide to visit a police station and tell the story yourself or decide to contact an NGO, the prosecutor’s office at a courthouse or the nearest police station, please try to do the following for a better working report.
Try to get details about the person committing the violence. Providing details such as the person’s full name, address and telephone number will help the police to find the abuser.
Try to document evidence of the violence. Take pictures of the victim or convince her to see a doctor to put together a medical report about the violence.
NOTE: Berk Çektir is a licensed attorney at law and available to answer questions on the legal aspects of living in Turkey. Send enquiries to b.cektir@todayszaman.com The names of the readers are disclosed only upon written approval of the sender.DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is intended to give basic legal information. You should get legal assistance from a licensed attorney at law while conducting legal transactions and not just rely on the information in this corner.
