Turkish family minister says against 'indefinite alimony' payments and supports 'victim men'
Turkish Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş has stated that “the indefinite alimony” system is not acceptable, and that she “stands by victim men as well.”
Duvar English
Turkish Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş on July 26 said that they are working on ending “indefinite alimony” payments.
“Some people got married in the 1990s. The practice of paying indefinite alimony cannot be acceptable,” Göktaş said during a meeting with Ankara representatives of media organizations at the 75th Year Nursing Home Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center.
“We stand by victim men as well, if there are any. We need to listen to them as well. After all, we are the family ministry. We are a ministry that appeals to women, men, young people, the elderly and the disabled. If there is victimization, we need to listen to it," she stated according to reporting from state-run Anadolu Agency.
Göktaş also said amending or abolishing the Law No. 6284 to Protect Family and Prevent Violence Against Women is out of question. “My opinion on this matter is clear and precise. Wherever there is a victim, we are with them. We are the Family and Social Services Ministry. If the victim is a woman, we are with her. If the victim is a child, we are with them. If the victim is a man, we are with him. The point is, of course, to take the victim of violence under immediate protection.”
The law to protect family and prevent violence against women was accepted in Turkey on March 8, 2012. The purpose of the law is to protect women, children, family members and victims of stalking who have been subject to violence or are at risk of violence. The law has been under the attack of some Islamist and pro-government men figures lately.