Turkey's rate of murdered women skyrockets

From 2003 till 2010, there has been a 1,400% increase in the number of slain women. Three factors, including that the value of women in Turkish society has always been low, are at work.
Women wave posters as they march in protest against domestic abuse, in Istanbul July 20, 2014. Turkey, which aspires to join the European Union, has drafted new legislation to try to bring women's rights in line with European standards. A law sent to parliament just last month will toughen sentencing for sexual assault. Officials say the number of shelters has doubled in the past three years and victim support centres have been set up, allowing women like Hayat to receive protection and remain with their ch
Women wave posters as they march in protest against domestic abuse, in Istanbul, July 20, 2014. - REUTERS/Can Erok
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Pinar Tremblay
@pinartremblay

In a TV studio in Istanbul, an awkward yet telling moment unfolded for the cameras. During a show similar to America's "The Bachelor," a new bachelor was introduced: Sefer Calinak.

Before 2000, Calinak was convicted of murdering his two previous wives. He served 4½ years for his first murder and six years for the second. Calinak was in search of a new spouse.

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