There is a serious increase in violence against women due to the impunity policies of the AKP government. Not a day goes by without a woman falling victim to murder. According to JINNEWS' violence tally, just in March 24 women and 4 children were murdered. 14 women and 1 child died under suspicious circumstances. The majority of the perpetrators are first-degree men.

 

We spoke to women in Sûr (Sur) district of Amed (Diyarbakır) about the violence and massacres against women that are still on the agenda.

 

STREETS ARE NOT SAFE

 

Stating that they do not feel safe on the streets due to the increasing violence in society, Berçem Taşlı said, "I wonder what will happen to us today? Will we get home before anything happens to us? Fear is now dominant. There is neither justice nor law because sanctions are not applied." 

 

Stating that violence and massacres are increasing due to the impunity of the perpetrators, "The struggle against the patriarchal system is incomplete. Self-defence is a must. I received self-defence training myself. We will get stronger as we unite," she said.

 

ORGANISATION MUST BE STRENGTHENED

 

Münaver Başur said that it is not known where and how the danger will come from and added, "There is almost no day without a femicide. Naturally, you cannot feel safe. Women are marginalised. They are only seen as those who clean at home and are fertile. Women should organise against this. The Istanbul Convention must be implemented".

 

Remziye Biçen has two daughters and stated that she was worried about the safety of her children. Remziye Biçen, who stated that she constantly called and asked about their situation during the day, said, "I am afraid. I think that boys are raised wrongly." 

 

Remziye Biçen reacted to the perpetrators escaping by waving their hands and arms. She said, "The state finds the perpetrators in 10 minutes. If punishments are applied, such problems would not increase."

 

MEN ARE ENCOURAGED

 

Underlining that women's freedom is restricted, Beyza Taşlı said, "I definitely do not feel safe. If the necessary punishments were given, men would not be so brave and women would not be murdered.  They never get the punishment they deserve and they are comfortable with this. Women should unite, men should be educated and raised awareness. The Istanbul Convention must come into force."

 

SELF-DEFENCE MUST BE DEVELOPED

 

Emine Harman said that she constantly looks behind her back and acts with fear while going to work, said, "Women are subjected to mobbing and oppressed everywhere. In the eyes of society, women cannot go out, cannot dress openly, cannot defend themselves. Women and men have never been seen as equal in society. Women should develop their self-defence. They should study, become stronger and stand on their own feet. They should not submit to men. Women who are murdered are especially those who are not supported by their families and women who are afraid of divorce. In such a case, women remain silent and this often results in murder."

 

MA / Heval Önkol