800 abusive husbands removed from homes in İzmir

In March, the Law to Prevent Violence against Women and Protect Family Members was passed. Under the scope of the law, male perpetrators can be removed from their homes for periods between three and six months. Prior to the recent legislation, women would be removed from the home and placed under protection; now the situation has been reversed so male perpetrators of domestic abuse, not the victims, are forced to leave.

In İzmir alone, 800 men have been ordered to leave their homes for up to six months since the passage of the law approximately 40 days ago. Women remaining at home are under 24-hour police surveillance.

Some 90 women in İzmir have been placed under protection by the Provincial Directorate of Social Services because they remain in danger from their husbands on the streets.

If the domestic abuse continues, according to the law, “the victim will be given a new identity and the opportunity to live in a different city.” Also, the male perpetrator will be ordered to wear “electronic handcuffs” and faces imprisonment if the violence continues.

In the last two years, 510 women have filed for police protection from their husbands because they feared for their lives.