The concept of stalking as a form of violence against women: Prevention and protection within the scope of Law No. 6284 and Turkish Criminal Code

Turkey is among the countries where violence against women is prevalent. The persistence of news about femicides has prompted legislators in Turkey to make certain regulations, both domestically and in light of international legal developments. In order to prevent violence against women and domestic violence, Law No. 6284 was enacted, replacing the Law on the Protection of the Family (Law No. 4320) on January 14, 1998. Law No. 6284 includes protective measures for victims of violence and preventive measures for perpetrators.However, in the implementation of this law, numerous challenges have been encountered. Notably, there is no provision in the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) addressing the violence suffered by victims of persistent stalking, which is one manifestation of violence against women mentioned in Law No. 6284. This paper aims to discuss the legal implications of the violence suffered by victims of persistent stalking by examining the elements constituting violent acts in criminal law. The challenges arising from the practical application of these legal provisions will also be evaluated.