Violence against Women is a mark of shame of humanity

Representatives from Cyprus International University, Eastern Mediterranean University, European University of Lefke, Middle East Technical University and Final University came together within the scope of the Cooperation Protocol in Combating Violence against Women within as part of the organization by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security as a result of the increase in violence against women in the country.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Mihrican Aylanç, a representative from Cyprus International University and Head of the Women and Gender Studies Research Center gave information about the action plan that emerged as a result of the study in question, the situation of violence against women across the island and solutions.

Mentioning that due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the world and our country, individual and social deformation and negative changes are rapidly spreading, Asst. Prof. Dr. Aylanç said, “although it is hoped that individual empathy, tolerance, and cooperation in life will increase in the society, violent behavior is being ‘increased in society." Furthermore, Asst. Prof. Dr. Aylanç addressed the issue that the reactive behaviors created by economic problems and the fears of getting sick, turned into violence in different ways, leading to social deterioration.

It was stated that there is no foresight regarding the pandemic and the end of the economic crisis process that arose, and conveyed that the loving, cooperative, tolerant Turkish Cypriots created by the Mediterranean culture throughout history have also been negatively affected by the pandemic.

Noting that violence against women is increasing in social environments as well as in family and business life, Aylanç highlighted the importance of raising awareness on this issue, especially drawing attention to the widespread of digital violence.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Aylanç expressed that empathy and tolerance are needed with the awareness of human rights, she added, "It is important to review the education programs to strengthen the legal regulations, intervention-support channels and to embed gender equality in our cultural values".

Highlighting that violence against women has increased at least twice in this process, Aylanç expressed that “according to the data of the Gender Equality Office, there is an increase in the calls to the Alo 183 violence hotline, applications for women's shelters and the number of women seeking legal support”.

Reminding that the government provides free legal, social assistance support, and temporary housing assistance for women victims of violence, Aylanç emphasized the importance of all educational institutions, public authorities, and media acting immediately in wide cooperation and coordination to eliminate the social problem in question.