Tajikistan’s Committee on Women and Family Affairs has launched a dedicated hotline for victims of domestic violence, marking a significant step in regional efforts to address gender-based violence. According to Asia-Plus, the contact center aims to expand access to support services and raise public awareness.
In recent days, the Committee informed citizens via SMS that anyone experiencing domestic abuse can contact the helpline at +992 (37) 221-30-40. The center operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00, and Saturdays from 8:00 to 12:00. Both women and men can receive free legal advice and psychological support on issues such as domestic abuse, housing, alimony, and divorce.
Officials said the hotline builds on earlier in-person consultations and has already been operational for over two months. It was established under the framework of Tajikistan’s law “On the Prevention of Domestic Violence” and a corresponding state program. Its core mission is to support survivors and help prevent future cases of abuse. (A previous hotline, number 1313, was operated by the Committee but was discontinued for unspecified reasons.)
Regional Momentum
In neighboring Uzbekistan, the government approved an Administrative Regulation in June 2024 to enhance services for women and minors affected by domestic violence. According to the Justice Ministry’s press service, the regulation expands access to assistance through multiple channels, including the nationwide network of Inson social service centers, the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ 24/7 police hotline (102), emergency dispatcher (112), and the short “trust” number (1146). Citizens can also report abuse to neighborhood police inspectors or local social workers.
Authorities are now legally required to respond within 24 hours of receiving a complaint. Protective measures include issuing restraining orders, relocating survivors and their children to shelters, and conducting immediate assessments by social workers and police. The government also plans to establish crisis centers in every province by the end of 2024, providing safe refuge and access to medical care.
Kazakhstan’s Landmark Reform
Kazakhstan has also taken decisive steps. On April 15, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a landmark piece of legislation, popularly known as Saltanat’s Law, to strengthen protections for women and children. The law was named in memory of Saltanat Nukenova, a 31-year-old woman murdered by her husband, former economy minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, in a case that shocked the nation and triggered mass protests.
As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the new law re-criminalized domestic battery and the infliction of minor bodily harm, which had previously been classified as administrative offenses. It introduced harsher penalties for repeat offenders and eliminated legal loopholes that allowed reconciliation in cases involving minors. For the most serious crimes, including murder and sexual violence against children, the law provides for life imprisonment.
