“Restrained but Could not Be Stopped(!)”: Underlying Factors of “Femicides Despite Restraining Order” in Türkiye

In recent years, the global increase in femicides has emerged as a critical societal issue undermining women’s rights, necessitating urgent intervention and prevention measures to safeguard women. Reports from the UN indicate that more than half of the victims are killed by intimate partners or acquaintances. Various social, psychological, ethnic, cultural, and economic factors contribute to women being targeted for murder, including poverty and experiences related to immigration, which heighten their vulnerability to lethal violence. Despite being a common method for preventing violence against women, restraining orders have not effectively curbed femicides in Turkey. To address this issue comprehensively, this study explores the deficiencies and challenges within Türkiye's restraining order system through qualitative research involving institutional representatives. The research dimensions were identified through content analysis of literature and policy documents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather insights from experts. The interviews aimed to capture perspectives and key areas for improvement from diverse stakeholders. Thematic coding of the interview data identified several common themes: Public Awareness, Emergency Interventions, Legal Framework, Effectiveness of Restraining Orders, Risk Assessment, Technological Solutions and Offender Monitoring, Women's Shelters, and Support for Women's Needs. These themes provide a comprehensive framework for analyzing and addressing the challenges associated with femicides and restraining orders in Türkiye. Findings revealed that women were subjected to violence for a long time before intimate partners killed them. Despite the differences in the scope of the restraining orders, the implementation remains similar across the cases. The lack of customization by case causes the violation of the orders. In cases of violence against women, electronic monitoring is also implemented for restraining orders. However, providing effective institutional communication and increasing social awareness are some of the results that can be seen in the long term. Unless social and institutional awareness is increased against violence against women, it cannot be expected to decrease violence.