President Gul stepping up fight against domestic violence, "honor" killings

A rising tide of violent attacks by men against women and children, including so-called "honor" killings, has prompted President Abdullah Gul to call for an extensive investigation of the issue. The State Audit Institution (DDK) has been directed to investigate and examine recent acts of violence against women and children, and submit its findings on how well equipped civil society organizations and public agencies are to fight domestic violence. The DDK will also examine whether judicial, administrative and policing services are being properly implemented. Almost half of all Turkish women say they have endured physical or sexual violence at the hands of their husbands or partners. An estimated five women each day become victims of violence. According to reports, 115 women were killed by their husbands or relatives in the first five months of 2011, compared to 217 in all of 2010 and 198 in 2009.