KAYAD: Two women killed in the TRNC in one month, while there is no domestic violence law

The KAYAD Women’s Support Association (Kadından Yaşama Destek Derneği) issued a statement following the murder of Rukiye Tuncer by her husband. The organization noted that, over the past month, two women have been killed and one attempted murder has taken place in Northern Cyprus, while the TRNC still has no domestic violence law.

The statement, published on the association’s social media accounts, is structured around a contrast. Under the heading “What our country has,” it lists “2 murders of women and 1 attempted murder in 1 month.” Under the heading “What our country does not have,” it names a domestic violence law and political will. A separate section, “Those who are no longer with us,” gives the names of the victims — Saliha Özkol and Rukiye Tuncer.

Thirty-five-year-old Rukiye Tuncer was killed on the Güzelyurt–Lefkoşa highway near the Alayköy industrial zone. Her 41-year-old husband confessed to the crime, and a court remanded him in custody for three days.

KAYAD drew attention to the fact that a woman’s decision to go to the police is almost never connected to the first episode of violence. According to research cited by the association, before asking for help, a woman may be subjected to physical violence repeatedly.

“If you or someone close to you is experiencing domestic violence and you are concerned about your safety, you are not alone. Contact organizations where you can receive support,” KAYAD said in its statement.