KRG announces success in reducing violence against women in Erbil
"In these counseling centers, we have employed numerous psychological counselors and legal professionals of both sexes. They have been instrumental in addressing cases of family violence, resolving issues within the centers, and even assisting in court proceedings when necessary."
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Directorate of Combating Violence Against Women and Family in Erbil has announced significant progress in reducing the rate of violence in the region by 5.7%.
This achievement is attributed to comprehensive efforts and effective strategies implemented over the past year.
Col. Safin Tahir, Director of Combating Violence Against Women and Family in Erbil, detailed these efforts in an interview with Kurdistan24.
He highlighted that the directorate, alongside the staff of various offices dealing with violence against women and families, developed a thorough plan. This plan included the establishment of family counseling centers across all directorates.
“In these counseling centers, we have employed numerous psychological counselors and legal professionals of both sexes. They have been instrumental in addressing cases of family violence, resolving issues within the centers, and even assisting in court proceedings when necessary,” Tahir explained.
He emphasized the critical role these centers play in reconciling families before and after trials.
Tahir further mentioned the establishment of a reconciliation committee within these centers. This committee comprises volunteers such as religious teachers, university professors, and social and psychological researchers who work towards reconciling affected families.
Moreover, the directorate has signed memorandums of understanding with most universities, colleges, and educational centers.
These agreements aim to raise awareness about the types of violence being committed and educate students on preventing such violence.
“We have made concerted efforts with educational institutions to incorporate awareness-raising programs about violence into their curricula,” Col. Tahir said. “This collaboration is part of our broader strategy to create a more informed and proactive community in combating violence against women and families.”
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) General Directorate of Combating Violence against Women (DCVAW) has taken several measures so that Kurdish women can file complaints against violence committed against them.
Read More: KRG Ministry of Interior develops application to combat violence against women
The DCVAW, in coordination with several international organizations, created an application called ‘Safe You’, which allows women in the Kurdistan Region to report domestic violence to the authorities.
The 119 hotline is another way in the Kurdistan Region to combat violence. More than 10,000 people have called the hotline this year, most of whom were under the age of 18.
Raz Fria, spokesman for the DCVAW in Sulaimani province, told Kurdistan 24: “The 119 hotline has become a good solution for women.”
The counseling center is another center used by the DCVAW to assist people who have experienced violence.
In just two months in 2022, the Kurdistan Region witnessed an alarming total of nine honor killings, prompting Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to publish a statement expressing his concern about the increasing number of incidents of violence against Kurdish women.
"I'm deeply troubled by recent violence towards women in Kurdistan Region. I reiterate what I have said; there is no honor in honor killing," he said in Feb. 2022.
Read More: 'There is no honor in honor killing, this scourge must end': PM Barzani
