Violence and Sexual Harassment Against Girls and Women in Turkmenistan: How Do the Authorities Respond?

Violence and Sexual Harassment Against Girls and Women in Turkmenistan: How Do the Authorities Respond? Instead of protecting survivors, the authorities exert pressure. Instead of offering support, they resort to threats. Instead of ensuring justice, they try to silence the victims. Girls and women who have experienced violence or sexual harassment are intimidated, subjected to psychological pressure, and urged to withdraw their complaints. They are often blamed for what happened to them and told that speaking about abuse is "shameful," that it brings "dishonor to the family" and "shame to the state." But the real shame is not speaking out about violence. The real shame is allowing perpetrators to go unpunished, pressuring survivors into silence, and covering up crimes instead of investigating them and protecting those who have suffered. We call on the authorities to: - End all intimidation, threats, and pressure against survivors. - Stop blaming victims for the crimes committed against them. - Ensure independent and impartial investigations into all cases of violence and sexual harassment. - Guarantee protection, as well as psychological and legal assistance, for every survivor. Stop violence! Stop threats! Stop intimidation! Stop blaming the victims!