Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, made evaluations regarding the issue of 'violence against women and the prevention of violence' during a live broadcast on TGRT Haber. Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that as a university, they are developing projects for the prevention of violence against women, and said that psycho-educations will reduce incidents of violence.
"Incidents of violence increased during the pandemic period"
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that incidents of violence in Turkey are on the rise compared to other countries, saying, "Domestic violence increased significantly in February, which is concerning. According to the OECD's 2019 report, 39 out of 100 women in Turkey state that they have been subjected to violence at least once in their lifetime. This rate is 37% in the USA and 34% in New Zealand. Looking at the rates, the highest incidence of violence is observed in Turkey. This is a very shameful and undeserved situation for us. Another statistic also indicates that incidents of violence increased during the pandemic period. We need to investigate the root causes of these incidents and act accordingly. For solutions, methods based on results and solutions addressing the causes are essential. In our university's research, we can observe individual, social, cultural, and administrative reasons. We are writing projects involving victims, perpetrators, and individuals in the risk group. We are working towards solutions in this area with a project that includes the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Family and Social Policies."
"Live violence has a greater impact"
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan pointed out that children witnessing and experiencing violence firsthand has much more negative effects, stating, "Children learn violence more from their families as examples than from television and computers. Therefore, violence is a learned behavior. Saying that violence is present in our tradition as a method of problem-solving and seeking rights is a false teaching. Something must be done to address this. For example, when mothers see their sons hit someone else, they say, 'Well done, my son.' The child perceives this as a game. Later, they easily apply violence against the weak. However, we tell children not to even squeeze an eggshell, so that compassion may form. Our ancestors had, for example, an Ahi organization where butchers were made to do gardening once a year so that their sense of mercy wouldn't disappear. We are losing these values. Spoiled milk can be consumed, but spoiled butter cannot. Our moral decay is not good."
"Individuals prone to violence need rehabilitation"
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that individuals who commit violence should be admitted to rehabilitation centers before being punished and protected, stating, "In the incident in Samsun, for example, the lady complained 9 times. That person has a high potential for violence. Instead of punishing and protecting such individuals, they should be taken for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation would be beneficial for these individuals. Behind incidents of violence, there is paranoia of jealousy, and an inability to think about consequences. Throughout the world, people are admitted to rehabilitation centers. This should be made mandatory by court order, and this rule should be applied if a person is complained about 3 times. In such situations, the state should subject the person in question to compulsory training. Giving punishment alone is not a solution. It is necessary to examine whether the person is ill. Legal measures and restraining orders tend to increase a man's anger. It is not suitable for our culture. There are solutions that can reduce it, but concrete steps are needed for this. Family means a complementary relationship, not a competitive one. Family education appropriate for our culture is essential. Violence cannot be prevented by going out into the streets and shouting. These situations arise because values and emotions are eroded. If psycho-educations are provided, violence will decrease." He concluded his words.