Regs. Lacks on Sexual Crimes Against Women

Keskin criticized the fact that "complaint is necessary for the pursuit of rape." She also underlined that no amendments were made to the penal code to make it easier for a victim to prove sexual torture.

Keskin complained about the fact that the penal code did not include an article to regulate "sexual crimes against women," and said it was "a huge shortcoming" that the law did not regard "rape between couples" as rape.

"There is an improvement in the definition of rape but it is inadequate. It is a positive development that oral and anal rapes are now defined as rape. But still, rape is a crime, which will be pursued only if there is complaint. For this reason, it is a big problem," said Keskin.

Sexual harassment has no definition

Keskin said the fact that verbal harassment is now included in the law under the definition of "making rude remarks," was a positive step. "But sexual harassment is still not defined as a crime," she added.

Keskin said there was a "forced equality between men and women" in the law. "The amendments made it possible to punish women who sexually harass men. But this is a forced approach because in our social structure, harassment by women is a very rare if not an inexistent case," Keskin said.

Proving torture is not easier

Keskin underlined that amendments to the law did not make it easier for a victim to prove sexual torture. Keskin continued:

"The biggest problem is proving sexual torture. They have increased punishments and some acts have gone under the scope of crime, but proving sexual torture is still a big problem. Especially in vaginal rape, there is a very narrow time limit to get a physical report," said Keskin.

Proving rape becomes even harder once the time limit is exceeded. The courts still do not consider as evidence reports other than psychological and formal expert reports. This is a big problem and there is no development in this matter," she added. (BB/EA/NM)