Getting a Domestic Violence Protection Order in Turkey

Domestic violence protection orders in Turkey are available to anyone experiencing abuse — or at risk of it — regardless of nationality. Law No. 6284, the Law on Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence Against Women, sets out a clear framework that foreign nationals in Antalya and across Turkey can access on equal terms with Turkish citizens. One of its most important features: a protective order can be issued the same day you apply, without any need to present evidence of past harm.

Who Falls Under the Law

Law 6284 protects women, children, all family members, and victims of stalking. Violence is defined broadly — it encompasses physical, sexual, psychological, verbal, and economic harm, including threats, coercion, and arbitrary restriction of a person's freedom. Household violence covers not just married couples but anyone who shares or has shared a home, making the law relevant for unmarried partners and extended family alike.

Critically, the law imposes no nationality requirement. Whether you hold a foreign passport, a residence permit, or are simply visiting Turkey, you have the same right to apply for protection as a Turkish citizen.

Protective Orders: Support for the Victim

The law distinguishes between two types of orders. The first — protective orders (koruyucu tedbir) — are aimed at helping the person at risk.

Under Article 3, a provincial or district governor (mülkî amir) can arrange emergency shelter for the victim and accompanying children, provide temporary financial assistance, and connect the victim with psychological, legal, and social support services. Where there is immediate danger to life, temporary protective custody is available.

A family court judge can supplement these measures under Article 4: assigning a separate registered address to the protected person, ordering that the family home be annotated on the title deed (tapu) to prevent disposal, or — in extreme cases — facilitating a change of identity under witness-protection rules.

Preventive Orders: Restraining the Abuser

The second type — preventive orders (önleyici tedbir) — are directed at the person causing harm. Article 5 gives a judge extensive powers: requiring the abuser to vacate the shared home immediately while the protected person remains in place; imposing exclusion zones around the victim's home, workplace, and children's school; banning all communication by any means; and ordering the surrender of any legally held firearms. Even a serving police officer or soldier must hand over their service weapon.

If the abuser has a dependency on alcohol or narcotics, the court can mandate medical treatment as a condition. Judges can also adjust or remove existing child contact arrangements under Article 5 where the safety of the children requires it.

In genuine emergencies, police can impose some of these measures immediately, without waiting for a court hearing. The file must be placed before a judge within the same working day. Any emergency measure a judge does not confirm within 24 hours lapses automatically.

How and Where to Apply

Article 8 gives victims multiple access points. You can apply at:

• The nearest family court (aile mahkemesi)
• The provincial or district governor's office (mülkî amirlik)
• Any police station

The victim, a family member, the public prosecutor, or the relevant ministry can all make an application. Protective orders require no evidence of past violence — the existence of a risk is sufficient. Preventive orders must be issued without delay once requested.

An initial order lasts up to six months. If the danger persists, it can be renewed indefinitely. Terms can be modified at any time. Victims can also request that their identity and home address be kept confidential in every official record — a particularly important option for foreign nationals concerned about their data being accessible to an abusive partner.

For related emergency court measures in family proceedings, see our guide to interim court orders in divorce proceedings in Turkey. Where children are involved, our article on custody rights for foreign clients in Turkey explains how custody and protection orders can run side by side.

Consequences for Violating an Order

Article 13 of Law 6284 sets out the penalties clearly. A first breach results in coercive detention (zorlama hapsi) of three to ten days. Each further breach attracts a period of fifteen to thirty days. The cumulative maximum is six months. These consequences arise even if the breach does not constitute a separate criminal offence — the order itself carries enforcement weight.

Enforcement is handled by the public prosecutor's office and police. It is not discretionary: if an order is in place and the abuser breaches it, they must be detained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a foreign national apply for a protection order in Turkey?

Yes. Law 6284 contains no nationality or residence status requirement. Any person physically present in Turkey who faces domestic violence is entitled to protection.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to apply?

No. You can walk into a police station or governor's office without any legal representation. However, a lawyer helps you choose the right type of order, ensures nothing is overlooked, and can represent you if the abuser files an objection.

Q: How quickly can I receive a protection order?

Protective orders can be granted the same day, without evidence. Emergency police measures take effect immediately and are then confirmed — or allowed to lapse — within 24 hours by a judge.

Q: Can the abuser oppose the order?

Yes. Law 6284 allows an objection to be filed. An objection does not automatically suspend the protection — the order remains in force while the objection is being considered.

Q: Can I also claim financial support at the same time?

Yes. Article 5 of Law 6284 allows the court to order emergency maintenance (tedbir nafakası) alongside a preventive order if the abuser is the household's main provider, even without a formal claim. Our article on alimony types for foreign clients in Turkey covers the financial support options in more detail.

How Mona Hukuk Can Help

Mona Hukuk assists foreign nationals navigating domestic violence situations in Antalya and throughout Turkey. We advise on the right type of order for your circumstances, prepare and submit the application, and accompany you to the court or governor's office where needed. If the abuser files an objection or the situation escalates, our team represents you in proceedings.

Contact us at info@monahukuk.com or call +90 (242) 606 14 32 to schedule a consultation in Antalya.