Experts Discussed Psychosocial and Legal Processes

Violence against children was addressed at a panel hosted by Bornova Municipality. Experts emphasized the importance of addressing both psychosocial and legal dimensions together in the protection of children. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that protecting children is not only a legal obligation but also a social responsibility.

Psychosocial Support Process in Child Protection

In the first session of the panel titled “The Legal Framework and Application Mechanisms in Turkey in the Field of Child Protection and Violence Against Children,” held at the Uğur Mumcu Cultural Center Multi-Purpose Hall, Psychologist Merve Aydoğanlar discussed the concept of childhood from both developmental and legal perspectives, emphasizing that “A child should be evaluated not only by age, but also by developmental needs and the necessity for protection.”

In her presentation, Aydoğanlar подробно addressed:

• Children’s basic needs

• The concepts of child neglect and abuse

• Types of neglect and abuse

• Initial reporting mechanisms

• The psychosocial support process within the child protection system

• Risk assessment and preventive-protective approaches

She underlined that early risk identification and the proper functioning of reporting mechanisms play a vital role in protecting children without causing further trauma.

Legal Framework for the Protection of Children

In the second session, Attorney Bahar Doğan provided a comprehensive evaluation of the legal regulations concerning child protection.

Doğan addressed:

• The protection of children under the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237

• The Child Protection Law No. 5395

• Reporting obligations and responsibilities

• Investigation and prosecution processes in criminal proceedings

• Criminal liability of children

• The concept of child sexual abuse

• Reporting and application procedures in sexual abuse cases

• Practices aimed at preventing secondary victimization of children in sexual offense cases

Bahar Doğan emphasized that the obligation to report is not limited to institutions but is a responsibility of anyone who becomes aware of a crime. She stated that rapid and accurate reporting in cases of sexual abuse is decisive in ensuring the protection of the child.

Q&A Session

During the question-and-answer session, conducted within the available time, participants’ questions were addressed and the experts shared their insights based on field practices.

Mayor Eşki: “Children’s Safety Is Our Shared Responsibility”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that protecting children is not only a legal matter but a collective social responsibility:

“For our children to grow up in a safe, healthy, and violence-free environment, we need both greater awareness and strong institutional cooperation. As a local government, we will continue to expand our awareness efforts in this field.”