Channel Ends Serial Tackling Domestic Violence

TV channel Star draws criticism from rights activists when a serial explicating the consequential issue of violence against women ends after just four episodes, on the basis of poor ratings.

Drected by Omur Atay, co-starring Sanem Celik and Erhan Emre, the producer of "Guldunya" broke the news to media. Minister of State Nimet Cubukcu had thanked the TV channel and the producers for their efforts on one occasion.

Daily Hurriyet's coordinator of Campaign to End domestic Violence, Nese Hacısalihoglu reacted to the decision. Her team collaborated with the scriptwriters, providing them with real life stories of violence towards women.

"The serial included the hot line number of the campaign and number of received calls decidedly increased when it went on air. In a country where one among three women is subjected to violence, this serial represented an effective tool. I find it wrong to make every decision based on ratings."

"I communicated my thoughts to the channel," she told bianet.

Ayla Sesan, one of the followers of the serial stressed the importance of its emphasis on the need of women's shelters. Despite clear laws stating one shelter should be established for every 50 thousand people; only 52 of them exist.

Afraid this would discourage future attempts to take on issue in TV, "We have to pressure the channel to reconsider its decision," Sesan said.

Another spectator Ayca Orer agrees. "The serial revealed the coercion on women with very little rendition. I guess this is why it failed to gain popular interest –it showed something that's forced to stay in dark."

The serial took its name from the case of Guldunya Toren, who was killed by her brothers on grounds she became pregnant before getting married. She was 22 years-old when murdered. Her case had been taken up by rights activists and became a symbol in the struggle against violence towards women.(EZÖ/AGÜ)