1103 Turkish women forced to change identities to escape violence

In Türkiye, authorities have taken extreme measures to protect women facing life-threatening violence.

Over 1,100 Turkish women have had their identities completely changed to ensure their safety. Minister Ali Yerlikaya described this action as “the pinnacle of protection measures,” illustrating the severity of the situation.

Identity change program in Türkiye protects women by altering every aspect of their lives

The identity change program, led by the Ministry of Interior’s Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women Division, transforms a woman’s entire life.

Sibel Ozdemir, a senior official, explained, “When violence cannot be prevented by other means, identity changes are implemented. This involves a complete transformation of the victim’s life.”

This process includes altering a woman’s name, residence, workplace, and even her children’s school records. Ozdemir called it an “extreme measure” reserved for cases where a woman’s life was in imminent danger.

Minister Yerlikaya elaborated, “This is the ultimate measure—a complete overhaul of a woman’s identity to protect her and her family. To date, 1,103 women have been relocated, with their professions and personal details altered. In rare cases where their safety is compromised, these women undergo further changes.”

Rising violence against women in Türkiye demands urgent action

Violence against women in Türkiye has reached alarming levels. In 2024, 420 women were murdered, most by men they knew, according to the Türkiye Women’s Associations Federation. An additional 344 women died under suspicious circumstances, often staged to appear as accidents or suicides.

The Will Stop Femicide Platform documented 1,494 suspicious deaths of women between 2017 and 2024. Activists argue that poor investigation and societal norms allow perpetrators to evade justice.

They emphasize the need for investigative protocols like the Latin America Model Protocol, which incorporates a gender-sensitive approach.

Turkish women’s emergency support faces challenges from false reports

The Women’s Emergency Support (KADES) app has proven to be valuable for women in danger. Over 7.6 million people have downloaded the app, and it has facilitated 1.4 million reports, including 885,000 verified cases.

Minister Yerlikaya shared a significant challenge, noting, “Since 2018, we have dealt with over 500,000 false alerts. Responding to these false reports consumes resources and time. Despite this, our teams treat every alert as genuine to maintain their sensitivity and commitment.”

Most femicide in Türkiye occur in victims’ own homes

Shockingly, 65% of femicides in Türkiye occur in the victims’ homes. In 2024, 19 women were killed in their own residences, emphasizing the lack of safety even in supposedly secure spaces. Jealousy and rejection were leading motives for these murders, responsible for 48% and 25% of cases, respectively.

Nearly half of all femicide is committed by husbands, partners, or other family members. Unlicensed firearms were used in 75–85% of these crimes, demonstrating the accessibility of deadly weapons.

Activists call for systemic, judiciary reform to combat violence in Türkiye

Activists stress the urgent need for systemic change to address the crisis.

Dr. Gulsum Kav from the We Will Stop Femicide Platform stated, “These deaths are preventable. Enforcing laws and treaties effectively could save countless lives.”

Despite the grim statistics, women in Türkiye continue to fight for their rights. Protests and advocacy efforts remain ongoing, as organizations demand stronger action to combat violence and protect victims.

The staggering number of women forced to change their identities reveals the depth of the crisis in Türkiye.

While the identity change program offers protection for some, activists insist that addressing the root causes of violence is crucial.