Turkey (MNN) — Last month, Turkey quit the Istanbul convention, intended to reduce violence against women. Turkey’s government claims the treaty encourages LGBT behavior, contrary to its cultural values.
But the issue remains: over 300 Turkish women were killed by partners or male relatives in 2020. Even more were found dead under suspicious circumstances. Read more here.
SAT-7’s response
SAT-7 has responded to the cultural attitudes that lead to this kind of violence. The SAT-7 TÜRK program, You Are Not Alone invited lawyers, psychologists, and other experts onto address the issue.
Joe Willey of SAT-7 USA talks about the show. “It’s about legal rights and organizations that can help someone in a crisis situation. With this exiting of this treaty, that has continued. And we are working to raise awareness so more women are protected.”
A different message
But it’s also about Jesus’ love and care for women, a truth every culture on Earth needs to hear. For instance, one Turkish proverb says, “A beating comes from heaven.” It tries to say men have a divine right to committing violence against women.
Willey says, “There are certain attitudes that reflect a woman being seen as of less value than a man, secondary in the family and culture. SAT-7 programming provides a biblical response. It’s showing that both men and women are made in the image of God and are loved by their Creator.”
Pray this truth will change cultural attitudes in Turkey and throughout the world.
Header photo courtesy of SAT-7 USA.
