Description
Abstract
Purpose: The study aimed to examine the legislative mechanisms for preventing violence against women in Kyrgyzstan and their alignment with international standards. Approach/Originality: A comparative analysis was conducted of the legal frameworks of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Germany, and France, as well as key international documents. The research focused on legal and institutional mechanisms for protecting victims of violent crimes, including the issuance of protection orders, the operation of crisis centres, and enforcement mechanisms. In addition to punitive and preventive measures, attention was given to restorative justice principles that prioritise victim rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Findings: Kyrgyzstan currently has 18 crisis centres; limited financial and organisational resources undermine their effectiveness, as evidenced by the lack of capacity to provide comprehensive support to victims. An analysis of Kazakhstan’s legislation revealed that a focus on preventive measures and the provision of social services improves access to protection. This reflects a shift toward a more restorative model, where prevention and social support are seen as integral to justice. In Uzbekistan, regulatory acts clearly define the activities of specialised support centres and ensure data confidentiality, which strengthens victims’ trust. German legislation highlights the necessity of immediate protective measures, including removing the perpetrator from shared accommodation, while France emphasises prompt support via medical services, allowing for victim protection even without their prior consent. The comparison with Kyrgyzstan’s legislation demonstrated that the effectiveness of victim protection significantly improves when there is clear regulation of crisis centre operations, detailed procedures for issuing protection orders, and mandatory social support mechanisms – elements that require further adaptation within the national legal system.
Keywords: Crisis Centres, Protection Orders, Social Support, Protection Mechanisms, International Standards, Preventive Measures
