People of Amed talked about the increasing femicide and violence against women in Turkey and they stated that the biggest reason for the increasing femicide rates is the impunity policy of the state. As people demand permanent measures to be taken, women said they would defend themselves without hesitation against violence.

Amed (Diyarbakır) - We talked to people of Amed about the increasing femicide rates and violence against women in Turkey. The citizens said the biggest reason for the increasing femicide rates is the judicial system and impunity policies in Turkey.

Merve Akkuş: Self-defense is the right of people

This situation has become common for us; unfortunately, not just for us, but also for everyone living in Turkey. We aren’t surprised when we hear the news about femicide.  The biggest reason is the justice system. The Justice system does not work properly in any way. Necessary regulations should be made to prevent femicide and violence against women. Perpetrators should be sentenced to several punishments to deter people from committing crimes again. But nothing has been done. So I don’t have any hope for the country. If I was attacked, I would first take my phone and call for help; but if I didn’t have any opportunities to use my phone, I would immediately use my self-defense in order to save myself. For this reason, I call on all women to use their self-defense. Self-defense is the right of people. As far as I see on the news, women using their self-defense against their violent husbands are sentenced to imprisonment; I am very surprised by this. That's the only thing to do in such a situation.

Ali Taş: The judiciary is not fair

I feel sorry for women. Such men need to be punished, but they are released and inflict violence against other women.  The judiciary is not fair. Men inflicting violence against women should be sentenced to imprisonment. Only this can prevent violence. If I see a woman subjected to violence on the street, I will intervene. The state should take steps.

Benginur Abur: All men committing violence are released

If someone attacks me, I will stand up against the violent person. If necessary, I can use my self-defense and kill the person. Surely, I will use my self-defense right to protect myself to not be killed. And if I have a child, I have to think about my child too. I think of myself rather than think of that violent person. I will protect myself. In our country, women are afraid of their husbands when they are subjected to violence. They say, “I will file a complaint” but they cannot.  The biggest problem in Turkey now is that men committing violence are released. They are thousands of women waiting for being killed. There is no justice for women in Turkey today.

Kübra Kalkan: Women live in fear

İf someone inflicts violence against me, I will use my self-defense. If someone tries to kill me, I will not stay without doing anything. I will do everything to protect myself. There is no justice in Turkey, particularly for women. Women have left unprotected. New laws should be enacted in the constitution for women. Women live in fear.

Vesile Dinç: The state is guilty of femicide

The state is guilty of femicide. Women shouldn’t keep silent against violence. People say men kill in the name of “honor”, but men kill people because they don’t have brains.

Yılmaz Aslan: Men should educate themselves

Attacking women is not manhood. Men should put themselves in women’s place. Men should educate themselves. They should change their mindset.

Zehra Çelik: Laws protect men

All forms of violence against women become widespread. The state doesn’t discourage men. The measures haven’t been taken to prevent violence against women and for this reason, femicide isn’t stopped. Nothing has been done to stop femicide. Laws protect men.