Women Urge for Municipal Shelter

Members and leaders of “Van Women’s Association” petitioned to the remote southeast city of Van Municipality urging that violence against women stopped and a center for shelter and consultation opened.

According to international standards, for every 7,500 persons there should exist one women’s shelter. This sums up at least to 8,000 shelters for the women of Turkey whereas there exist only 9,” explain the group of 17 activists.

The “association” points to the fact that women are forced to commit suicide and murdered under accusations of acting against the traditional codes of honor. The group recalled the case of Necmiye Aralin who was burned to death by her husband in Van’s Ozalp village last week.

Women’s demands

Van Women’s Association urge that

* All municipalities in Turkey should open shelters and the municipality of Van should take the necessary steps,

* Precaution should be taken for all shelters that are open and that will be opened,

* Shelters should function along the guidelines of confidentiality and provide security and psychological support,

* Shelters should remain under the supervision of women’s organizations who should be endowed with a say in their management. (BB/MN/EK)