‘Saltanat’s Law’: Have the Lives of Kazakhstani Women Changed?

One year ago, on April 15, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a landmark package of legislative amendments aimed at addressing domestic violence in Kazakhstan. Quickly dubbed 'Saltanat's Law' by the public, the reforms are seen as honoring the memory of 31-year-old Saltanat Nukenova, who was brutally murdered by former Minister of the Economy, Kuandyk Bishimbayev. First Results: Statistics, Challenges, and New Realities Nukenova’s death and the viral public outcry under the hashtags #SupportSaltanat and #LifeImprisonment, catapulted domestic violence from the policy periphery to a national priority, prompting Parliament to pass amendments within weeks. The legislation reinstated criminal liability for battery and minor bodily harm, introduced penalties for repeat offenses within a year, prohibited reconciliation in cases involving minors, and instituted life sentences for murder and sexual violence against children. The law came into force on June 16, 2024. One year on, activists say there is enough data to evaluate early outcomes. Crucially, advocates note that the law has empowered women with legal language: for the first time, they can cite specific criminal statutes rather than relying solely on moral appeals. Yet, infrastructure has lagged. At the time of the legislation's adoption, there were 49 crisis centers nationwide; by mid-2025, that number had grown to 69. Still, 85% of districts lack access to shelters. With a population exceeding 1.2 million, Shymkent has only one center despite receiving 11,000 violence-related complaints. The Abay and Kyzylorda regions have none. Funding remains precarious: this spring, the Turkestan region’s largest center nearly closed due to unpaid utility bills. While international organizations provide training and grants, a stable government funding mechanism is still absent. Voices from Across Kazakhstan The Times of Central Asia spoke with women from various cities to gauge how the law has impacted daily life and their perceptions of safety. Kamilla, 21, a barista in Almaty, has observed a subtle shift: “Men have become more cautious, especially older ones. Bosses who used to make threatening or derogatory comments are more restrained now. They fear imprisonment, not just a fine. Still, I’m not confident the police would take my side. Many people still say, ‘It’s your own fault.’ But among my friends, few would ever justify violence. That’s already progress.” Madina, 19, a student from Taraz, sees increased online engagement: “Now, when someone shares their story, it goes viral," she told TCA. "People comment, repost, and demand justice. But on the ground, in the neighborhoods, little has changed. Women are still afraid. There’s nowhere to go, and often no family support.” Gulnara, 39, an accountant in Astana, recalls a neighbor’s silence: “She was often beaten. We offered help, but she waved us off. She didn’t want ‘to air dirty laundry.’ It’s not just about laws, it’s about mentality. Many still see the law as distant, irrelevant to their own lives.” Dana, 27, a makeup artist in Kostanay, says the law offers emotional support: “When it passed, we felt heard. But we know it’s just a beginning," she told TCA. "Young people are more outspoken...

Kazakhstan Cracks Down on Crimes Against Children and Women

Kazakhstan’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Dinara Zakiyeva, has outlined the scale of sexual violence against minors and the state’s efforts to combat it by strengthening legislation and support systems. Legislative Changes In April 2024, Kazakhstan introduced sweeping amendments to its criminal legislation, significantly increasing penalties for crimes against women and children. On April 15, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed into law the On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Ensuring Women's Rights and Children's Safety. Key changes to the Criminal Code include: Prohibition of lenient sentencing for crimes involving violence against minors; Elimination of reconciliation between parties in cases involving violence against minors; Introduction of life imprisonment as the sole penalty for the murder of a minor (Article 99), rape of a minor (Article 120), and other violent sexual acts against minors (Article 121), removing alternative sentencing options; Criminalization of sexual solicitation of individuals under 16; and Legal liability for inciting or assisting in suicide. Scope of the Problem According to Zakiyeva, approximately 900 crimes related to the sexual abuse of minors are reported in Kazakhstan each year. Since the enactment of the new law, 25 to 27 individuals have already received life sentences for such offenses. The highest incidence of these crimes is recorded in southern Kazakhstan, specifically Almaty, Turkestan, and Zhambyl regions, as well as West Kazakhstan and Kostanay regions. Zakiyeva notes that these areas often have high population density and conservative family structures that may conceal abuse. Zakiyeva shared disturbing cases of underage girls who had given birth as a result of prolonged abuse. “In Zhambyl region, I met a 13-year-old girl who had been raped for six years by her two uncles. In Turkestan region, I visited a center housing 16 underage mothers, aged 13 to 15, all of whom were victims of abuse by relatives. Many didn’t even realize they were victims of a crime, they believed this was normal family life,” she said. Prevention and Support The children’s ombudsman emphasized that effective anti-violence strategies globally rely on four pillars: strengthening legal frameworks; promoting self-defense and awareness; working with families to identify risk factors early; and expanding support infrastructure for victims. Kazakhstan’s new legislation supports preventive measures such as deploying mobile teams to identify at-risk families and establishing family support centers in every district. Currently, 112 such centers are operational, with another 109 underway. In Turkestan region alone, the number of centers has grown from one to 13, with four more soon to open. Helpline and Awareness In a single month, Kazakhstan’s national children’s helpline received 120 phone calls and 11,145 text messages. According to Zakiyeva, these messages often reveal the deep emotional isolation children feel. “Children feel alone. They’re scared to speak out. They’re afraid to tell anyone that they’re being threatened, blackmailed, or approached by strangers. Many can’t talk to their parents, teachers, or psychologists,” she said.