Violence Cannot Be Fought Through Humiliation: Why Turkmenistan Urgently Needs Crisis Centers, Protection for Women, and a Law Against Domestic Violence

Violence Cannot Be Fought Through Humiliation: Why Turkmenistan Urgently Needs Crisis Centers, Protection for Women, and a Law Against Domestic Violence The recent case in Dashoguz, where a 35-year-old schoolteacher was arrested on suspicion of abusing a 13-year-old schoolgirl, has once again raised one of the most painful issues in Turkmenistan — the complete absence of a functioning system to protect women and children. However, public outrage was caused not only by the alleged crime itself. According to independent sources, following the incident, schools in the region reportedly began conducting mass gynecological examinations of schoolgirls and so-called “virginity tests.” Such practices have nothing to do with protecting children. They represent humiliation of human dignity, violation of bodily autonomy and personal privacy, psychological pressure, and the creation of an atmosphere of collective fear. The World Health Organization and United Nations agencies have repeatedly emphasized that “virginity testing” has no scientific or medical validity and constitutes a violation of human rights. This situation is especially alarming considering that Turkmenistan is officially a party to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). During her visit to Turkmenistan, Marianne Mikko, Vice-Chairperson of the CEDAW Committee, stated: > “The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women is legally binding for all 189 States parties, including the countries of Central Asia.” She also expressed hope that Turkmenistan would adopt specific legislation addressing gender-based violence against women. Source: UN Human Rights Central Asia https://bit.ly/4m5bWzg Yet the reality demonstrates the opposite. Turkmenistan still lacks comprehensive legislation against domestic violence, there are no fully functioning crisis centers, and women and girls are often left alone with fear, pressure, and silence. Most alarming is the fact that many minors simply do not know where they can seek help safely. If a girl is afraid to speak to her parents, she effectively has no secure alternative: — no anonymous crisis centers; — no confidential hotlines; — no independent psychological support system; — no safe shelters; — no environment based on trust and protection. This is why Turkmenistan urgently needs: — crisis centers for women and children; — anonymous psychological assistance; — emergency support hotlines; — trained social workers; — specialized child protection professionals; — real protection mechanisms for victims of violence. In many countries, crisis centers help prevent tragedies before situations become irreversible. Another critically important issue is comprehensive sexual education. This is not about “corrupting children,” as some attempt to portray it. It is about providing basic knowledge: — understanding personal boundaries; — recognizing abuse and coercion; — knowing where to seek help; — understanding that nobody has the right to threaten, manipulate, or exploit fear. Silencing these topics does not protect children — it makes them even more vulnerable. It is also extremely important to discuss the creation of baby boxes and anonymous assistance systems for women facing severe social and psychological crises. In many countries, such mechanisms help prevent infanticide, suicide, and tragedies caused by fear of public condemnation and lack of support. Today, instead of support and protection, society once again witnesses pressure, fear, and control over girls’ bodies. Human rights defenders and international observers have for years drawn attention to the lack of progress regarding women’s rights protection in Turkmenistan. The publication Progres.online previously stated: > “Turkmenistan is the only country in the region that perceives the adoption of a law against domestic violence as a threat to patriarchal and authoritarian structures.” Source: https://progres.online/ The publication also emphasized that state institutions lack both the political will and the effective mechanisms necessary to address systemic neglect toward women and girls. Against this background, reports about “virginity testing” of schoolgirls following abuse cases appear especially disturbing. Crime cannot be fought through humiliation and collective pressure against girls. Violence cannot be stopped through fear. Violence cannot be stopped through silence. And violence certainly cannot be prevented by humiliating victims. Real protection begins with: — laws; — trust; — crisis centers; — psychological support; — education; — respect for human dignity and bodily autonomy.