Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
2nd International Conference on Social Work & Social Research, Baku, Azerbaycan, 23 - 24 Mayıs 2025, ss.1-5, (Özet Bildiri)
Violence against women is a grave global issue, representing a fundamental violation of human rights and a significant impediment to public health and well-being. In response to this critical problem, women's shelters have emerged internationally as vital resources, offering immediate safety, essential support, and crucial pathways to recovery for individuals, predominantly women and their children, who are escaping situations of domestic violence and abuse (Diner & Toktaş, 2013; Toktaş & Diner, 2015). Within the specific context of Türkiye, the problem of violence against women is further exacerbated by deeply rooted patriarchal social structures and persistent gender inequalities that contribute to its widespread prevalence and societal normalization (Ünver et al., 2024). While general women's shelters in Türkiye provide indispensable initial assistance, the intricate and diverse needs of survivors necessitate a more nuanced and targeted approach through the development and implementation of specialized shelters designed to address specific vulnerabilities and lived experiences (Sharifi, 2024).
The genesis of the women's shelter movement can be traced back to the late 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by the rise of the second-wave feminist movement across the globe, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. The primary impetus behind this movement was the pressing need to confront entrenched gender inequality, challenge the pervasive issue of male dominance, and establish secure havens for women fleeing violence, often in direct response to the perceived failures of mainstream institutions to offer adequate protection and support. Pioneering shelters, such as the first in England in 1970 and in the US in 1973, represented the formalization of community-driven efforts to address the urgent crisis of domestic violence (Harmon, 2024). Over time, the women's shelter movement has undergone significant development and expansion (Sharifi, 2024). The scope of services offered by these shelters has broadened considerably, evolving beyond basic emergency accommodation to encompass comprehensive support systems that address the multifaceted needs of survivors, including crucial emotional support, essential childcare provisions, access to legal and medical assistance, and increasingly, initiatives aimed at fostering women's empowerment and facilitating their journey towards regaining autonomy. Furthermore, the movement has witnessed the emergence of vital global and regional networks, most notably the Global Network of Women's Shelters (GNWS), which plays a critical role in fostering international collaboration, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices, and undertaking collective advocacy to combat violence against women on a global scale (Bond & Phillips, 2001). Recognizing the diverse needs and contexts of survivors, the international landscape of women's shelters has also seen a diversification of models, including the development of second-stage and transitional housing options providing longer-term support, third-stage housing for continued assistance, safe homes networks offering temporary refuge within communities, emergency safe spaces for immediate protection, confidential private accommodation for heightened security needs, and sanctuary schemes enabling women to remain safely in their own homes while removing the perpetrator.
Violence against women in Türkiye is a deeply concerning issue, accurately defined by the United Nations as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life (CFCU, 2009). This violence manifests in various forms across the country, including prevalent intimate partner violence encompassing physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, as well as sexual violence, the tragic phenomenon of femicide, harmful practices like honor killings and early and forced marriages, and the growing concern of technology-facilitated violence (Lauri et al., 2023). Data consistently reveal the alarmingly high prevalence of violence against women in Türkiye, with UN reports, government surveys, and independent research indicating significant rates of physical, sexual, and emotional violence experienced by women across different demographics (Şenol, 2021). The particularly devastating issue of femicide sees hundreds of women losing their lives to violence each year. The impact of this violence on women in Türkiye is profound, leading to severe physical and mental health consequences (including injuries, chronic pain, reproductive health problems, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide attempts), significant socioeconomic repercussions (such as job loss, poverty, and homelessness), and detrimental effects on the well-being of their children who may witness or experience abuse. The persistence and severity of violence against women in Türkiye are inextricably linked to deeply entrenched patriarchal structures and pervasive social inequalities that create a societal context where such violence is often normalized, justified, and perpetuated (Sen & Bolsoy, 2017).
The journey towards recognizing violence against women as a violation of fundamental human rights gained significant momentum globally with the United Nations' 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a pivotal moment that influenced the framing of this issue in Türkiye and beyond. In Türkiye, the second-wave feminist movement, which emerged in the mid-1980s, played a crucial role in bringing the experiences of violence against women into the public consciousness and onto the political agenda through various forms of activism, consciousness-raising initiatives, and persistent advocacy for legal and policy reforms (CAWC, 2025). Early feminist initiatives included the establishment of the first independent women's shelter in Türkiye, Mor Çatı (Purple Roof), in 1990, marking a crucial step towards providing organized support for survivors outside of traditional state-controlled structures. The subsequent historical development of support systems for abused women in Türkiye saw initial efforts primarily driven by feminist organizations, followed by a gradual increase in the state's involvement through the establishment of "Women's Guesthouses" under the purview of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, as well as the development of municipal shelters in some areas (Ökten, 2019). However, these early support systems faced significant limitations, including an insufficient number and overall capacity of shelters to meet the widespread need, limited financial and human resources, a lack of specialized services tailored to diverse vulnerabilities, and persistent challenges related to accessibility and ensuring the safety and security of survivors within a deeply patriarchal societal context.
The persistent and pervasive nature of violence against women in Türkiye, coupled with the demonstrated limitations of general women's shelters, underscores the critical imperative for the development and implementation of specialized shelters. These specialized facilities are essential to effectively address the complex and diverse needs of survivors, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups such as women with disabilities, women in life-threatening situations, and migrant women, whose experiences and requirements may not be adequately met within the framework of general shelters (Havali & Sepetcioğlu, 2023). The provision of holistic, interdisciplinary, and trauma-informed care is paramount, extending beyond basic shelter to encompass the specific psychological, emotional, social, and legal support necessary for different survivor groups to heal and rebuild their lives. Creating safe and supportive environments that are specifically tailored to the unique vulnerabilities and lived experiences of marginalized women is crucial, as these individuals may encounter additional and significant barriers in accessing and benefiting from the services offered by general shelters.
The current state of women's shelters internationally reveals a trend towards recognizing and developing diverse models, including specialized facilities, alongside general emergency and transitional shelters. These shelters offer a range of services, including safety, emotional support, counseling, referral services, and advocacy, but often face challenges related to funding, staffing, and effectively meeting the increasingly complex needs of survivors. In Türkiye, the current landscape of women's shelters is characterized by a limited number of facilities with an overall capacity that falls far short of the extensive need, particularly given the high rates of violence against women. While some specialized shelters exist, primarily for victims of human trafficking, there is a significant lack of facilities tailored to the specific needs of other vulnerable groups such as women with disabilities or migrant women (Havali & Sepetcioğlu, 2023). Women seeking shelter in Türkiye often encounter numerous challenges, including limited availability of spaces, restrictive admission criteria and shelter rules, concerns about the security and confidentiality of shelters, and in some instances, a lack of trust in the responsiveness and effectiveness of state authorities. The geographical distribution of shelters is also uneven, with a limited number available in metropolitan areas and even fewer in rural regions, impacting accessibility for women across the country. The services offered by women's shelters in Türkiye typically include temporary accommodation, meals, legal and psychological counseling, and support in accessing social services and employment opportunities. However, the quality and comprehensiveness of these services can vary, and shelters often face resource constraints and staffing challenges.
Academic and policy perspectives increasingly emphasize the critical need for specialized women's shelters in Türkiye to provide more effective and tailored support to diverse survivor populations (UN Women, 2023). Arguments for specialization highlight the importance of addressing the unique needs of different groups and the limitations of a generalized approach. Trauma-informed specialized shelters are seen as particularly beneficial in promoting healing and recovery for survivors with specific experiences of violence. However, the implementation of specialized shelters in Türkiye faces several potential challenges. These include significant funding constraints and the necessity of securing sustained financial support from governmental and non-governmental sources; staffing challenges related to recruiting and retaining qualified professionals with expertise in diverse areas of support, as well as the need for specialized training for all shelter staff; potential societal resistance arising from prevailing patriarchal norms and conservative ideologies that may oppose the establishment of women-only or migrant women-inclusive spaces; and the existing lack of effective authority and coordination among the various stakeholders involved in addressing violence against women.
In conclusion, the development of specialized women's shelters in Türkiye is not merely an enhancement but a critical necessity for providing effective and equitable support and protection for women experiencing violence. Addressing the diverse and complex needs of all survivors requires a move beyond generalized approaches towards tailored interventions that cater to specific vulnerabilities and lived experiences. Overcoming the existing challenges, including increasing shelter capacity, securing sustainable funding, providing specialized staff training, and addressing societal resistance, will be crucial for creating a robust and responsive shelter system. Ultimately, the establishment of a comprehensive network of specialized women's shelters in Türkiye holds significant potential for enhancing the safety, well-being, and empowerment of women experiencing violence, thereby contributing to the broader societal goals of achieving gender equality and ending all forms of violence against women.