Turkey Grapples With 'Honor' Killing And Domestic Violence Spike

Turkey Grapples With Dramatic Rise In 'Honor' Killings

A drastic rise in reported "honor" killings and fatal domestic violence in Turkey has sparked a vigorous debate about the government's recent attempts to address the problem. It also highlights the clash of conservative values with the country's rapid modernization.

Government figures released in February suggest murders of women increased 14-fold in seven years, from 66 in 2002, to 953 in the first seven months of 2009. In the past seven months, one rights organization has compiled more than 264 cases -- nearly one per day -- reported in the press in which a woman was killed by a family member, husband, ex-husband, or partner.

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