The OSCE Gender Issues Programme with the Regional Office of the UNFPA for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CA) published a study on domestic violence (DV) perpetrator programmes in CA countries, in September 2024 as part of the WIN Project.
The study involved a desk review and interviews with 20 local stakeholders, including OSCE and UNFPA staff, CSOs, and experts. It aims to map existing perpetrator programs in the region, identifying gaps, service availability, program efficiency, collaboration with women’s crisis centers, monitoring effectiveness, legal obligations, and compliance with international standards, along with recommendations.
A perpetrator program is an intervention focused on ensuring survivor safety by working with individuals who use violence. Typically, a part of a coordinated response, it involves various stakeholders and it can be organized by state agencies or civil society, with or without government support. These programs may be mandatory or voluntary, emphasizing prevention and accountability by addressing the root causes of violence and promoting long-term behavior change among perpetrators.
Below are the key takeaways from this study, with the focus on Turkmenistan.
Common Trends Across in Central Asia
- Domestic violence is not criminalized throughout the region.
- Legal provisions on perpetrator interventions are unclear.
- Perpetrator programs are limited in time and scope.
- There are few qualified experts and training opportunities.
- Social norms perpetuate the cycle of violence.
- Strong emphasis on preserving the family.
The study claims that while countries are at different stages, there is a momentum across the region to develop quality perpetrator programs.
Turkmenistan Overview
The section on the perpetrator program in Turkmenistan is the shortest as there is no established program in the county. It also has no case study example, unlike the other CA countries, with the exception to Tajikistan.
The study mentions two government-organized non-governmental organizations (GONGO): Keyik Okara with a shelter in Ashgabat, and Taze zaman, with a shelter in the Lebap region that focus on services for survivors, which includes addressing perpetrators in a limited way. Mentioned crisis centers frequently work with all members of the household to resolve cases of domestic violence to “preserve the family”, as in Turkmenistan often extended families live together.
While GONGOs indicate willingness to work with correctional programs for perpetrators, there is a lack of necessary mechanisms, knowledge and legislative framework to provide guidance, including legally mandated programs to identify and refer perpetrators and ensure the continuity and sustainability of programs.
The recommendations for Turkmenistan:
- Adopt a law against all forms of violence against women, and include provisions for perpetrator and preventive programs.
- Criminalize DV to hold perpetrators accountable in line with international standards and National Action Plan on Gender Equality 2021–2025.
- Launch pilot perpetrator programs in select regions to leverage existing capacity.
- Prioritize survivor-centered responses and ensure adequate services for survivors before initiating these programs.
- Strengthen crisis centers and expand shelter services for survivors nationwide.
- Explore best international practices to develop effective perpetrator programs within a multi-agency response to GBV.
