Kasachstans Kampf für die Sicherheit von Frauen und Kindern
Astana – Anna Ryl, the Head of the crisis center Korgau, discussed in an interview with The Astana Times the role of human rights organizations and the social measures necessary for the effectiveness of the new law on women’s and children’s rights.
A month ago, Kazakhstan passed a law on women’s rights and child safety that imposes penalties for domestic violence, provides for harsher penalties for violence against children, and introduces preventive measures against domestic violence. The law aims to improve the legal, economic, social, institutional, and organizational foundations for state policy on the safety of women and children and to express the government’s commitment to protecting human rights and vulnerable groups.
„The level of violence in society is alarmingly high and requires measures to mitigate its impact,“ said Ryl. „The first aspect addressed by the law is the introduction of stricter penalties. But equally important are prevention measures, an area that is often neglected. Prevention entails the challenging task of reshaping societal awareness.“
Ryl also emphasized the importance of addressing aggressors and recognizing them as part of a society prone to violence.
„Without proactive intervention, individuals may not be aware of the underlying causes of their behavior and the potential for change,“ she explained. „Early engagement, before criminal activities occur, offers the opportunity to redirect aggressive tendencies into constructive activities and ultimately improve their quality of life.“
In discussions on legal measures to combat domestic violence, Ryl stressed the need for eviction orders to protect victims.
„Another critical aspect of the law is the temporary expulsion of the attacker from the household for 30 days. This is particularly important for women who cannot leave due to fears for their safety and that of their children, as well as fears of retaliation from the attacker or their relatives. It is essential to give the victim time to gather important belongings and documents before leaving,“ she said.
Ryl pointed out that the current law changes provide for penalties such as fines, rehabilitation or community service, or a maximum prison sentence of 15 days for cases of intentional minor bodily harm. However, she considers this duration inadequate.
„Fifteen days are not enough. For example, a 25-day detention would greatly disrupt a person’s daily life. So, if someone had to expect a 25- to 50-day detention, that could possibly be a lifelong lesson,“ said Ryl.
Ryl emphasized the crucial role of crisis centers in supporting women who have been subjected to domestic violence for extended periods.
Of the 49 crisis centers in Kazakhstan, 14 are located in district centers and 32 in cities, providing victims with specialized social services. However, a report by the Prosecutor General’s Office in November 2023 highlighted significant gaps in service provision: 85% of the country’s districts do not have such facilities. Victims seeking assistance in crisis centers receive comprehensive support, including medical, psychological, and legal assistance, as well as help with document restoration, benefit applications, career counseling, and job placement.
Ryl expressed the need for increased support for crisis centers and welcomed the establishment of family support centers, especially in rural areas where access to services may be limited.
In her opinion, human rights organizations also play a central role in safeguarding the rights of women and children by initiating a public discourse on domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue.
The expert noted a positive trend of increasing advocacy by organizations pushing for legislative reforms and involving youth in addressing societal challenges.
Ryl expressed hope for a more civilized approach to conflict resolution and emphasized the importance of legal channels in reducing violence.
She stressed the importance of effectively implementing legal changes and highlighted the need for economic support for prevention measures, specialized training, and restructuring of police procedures.
„It is not just about imposing stricter penalties, but also about improving the quality of services in handling administrative and criminal cases to ensure comprehensive coverage,“ she said.
„It is crucial not only to have robust legislation but also to enforce it effectively, so that attackers understand that they must face consequences regardless of the circumstances. It is essential to highlight and promote global intolerance or rejection of violence by society. When society decisively responds to incidents of violence, documents and reports them immediately, it increases the survival chances of victims,“ Ryl added.
