Nationwide Anti-Violence Crusade Gains Momentum

Nationwide Anti-Violence Crusade Gains Momentum

In a significant stride towards a safer and more equitable society, Kazakhstan's national campaign, "Kazakhstan Without Domestic Violence," has shown promising results since its launch in June 2025. The campaign, backed by legislative reforms and public awareness efforts, has led to a measurable decline in domestic violence reports and severe cases.

Sholpan Karinova, the secretary of the Amanat party and the head of its women's wing, praised the campaign's key outcomes. "The campaign has promoted zero tolerance for domestic violence, raised public awareness, strengthened trust in law enforcement, and enhanced interagency cooperation," she said.

One of the most significant developments has been a decrease in reported domestic violence cases. Officials involved in the campaign reported a 20.5% drop in such cases compared to the previous year (2024 to 2025). This decline is particularly noteworthy considering the reclassification of certain domestic violence acts from administrative to criminal offenses in 2024, which led to a sharp increase in criminal cases being registered.

The reduction in severe offenses has been equally impressive. There has been a 44% drop in particularly severe domestic violence cases and a 29% reduction in serious domestic crimes in the first five months of 2025.

Tatiana Mironyuk, a prominent figure in the campaign, commended the Ministry of Internal Affairs for its willingness to engage with the public, a rare move for traditionally closed institutions. She emphasised the importance of public engagement and institutional openness in the success of the campaign.

The government's legislative reforms have also played a crucial role in empowering women legally and strengthening protections. The law amending penalties for violence against women and children, signed by the Kazakh President on April 15, 2024, came into force on June 16, 2025. The law reinstated criminal liability for battery and minor bodily harm and introduced harsher penalties, including life sentences for murder and sexual violence against children. It also prohibits reconciliation in cases involving minors and penalises repeat offenses within a year.

However, challenges remain in terms of victim support infrastructure. While the number of crisis centers has increased from 49 to 69 by mid-2025, 85% of districts still lack access to shelters, and funding remains unstable. Some regions with high numbers of complaints have very limited support facilities.

Karinova emphasised the importance of public awareness and legal literacy regarding domestic violence. Media and social media campaigns are crucial in raising awareness and breaking stereotypes, she said. Over 86,000 SMS messages from children were received in five months due to a QR-code initiative implemented in schools nationwide.

The Amanat party's women's wing is actively engaged in meetings, trainings, roundtables, supporting family centers, and promoting initiatives to prevent violence and strengthen women's leadership.

Despite the overall decline in general crime rates, the proportion of murders classified as domestic crimes has increased from 17% in 2018 to 23% in 2024, highlighting that domestic violence remains a critical issue requiring sustained attention. The campaign, therefore, is a significant step forward in government transparency and public trust, according to Mironyuk, and a comprehensive effort to spark change and raise awareness.

1. The national campaign in Kazakhstan, "Kazakhstan Without Domestic Violence," has made a substantial impact on various aspects of health and wellness, particularly in the realms of sexual health, family health, and mental health, as it promotes zero tolerance for domestic violence and raises public awareness.
2. The campaign has also extended its reach to the policy and legislation sector, as the law amending penalties for violence against women and children, signed in 2024, came into force in 2025, empowering women legally and strengthening protections against domestic violence.
3. In the realm of politics, the efforts of high-profile individuals like Sholpan Karinova and Tatiana Mironyuk have been crucial in backing the campaign and advocating for institutional openness and public engagement.
4. The campaign has not only seen success in the decline of domestic violence cases but also in the addressing of gender-specific issues, such as women's health and parenting. The QR-code initiative in schools, for instance, has helped promote awareness among children.
5. However, the campaign faces challenges in ensuring infrastructure for victim support, particularly in terms of stable funding and access to shelters in many districts. This underscores the need for continued attention and efforts in managing crime and justice, especially as the proportion of murders classified as domestic crimes continues to rise.

Read also: