A panel titled “Shared Responsibility from Academia to Society in Combating Violence Against Women” was held at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Cultural and Congress Center under the coordination of our University’s Women and Family Studies Application and Research Center (KAÇAUM), in partnership with the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, Trabzon University, Avrasya University, and the Women and Democracy Association (KADEM). The event was organized within the scope of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed on 25 November.

The opening of the panel took place with the participation of our Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI, Trabzon Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Dr. Hüseyin MOLLAOĞLU, Trabzon İŞKUR Director Servet KABA, Trabzon Probation Director Mehmet SEMİZ, Director of KAÇAUM Asst. Prof. Dr. Öznur GEDİKLİ, KADEM Trabzon Representative Elif YÜKÜNÇ, our academics, students, and invited guests. The session highlighted a central message: a strong society is built upon strong families, and strong families grow out of a social environment where women feel valued, safe, and at peace. It was emphasized that ensuring women’s rightful place in education, science, production, and all areas of life is key to building a more just and harmonious future, and that creating a society where women feel secure is a shared responsibility for all.

“All Forms of Violence Are Unacceptable!”

The program began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem. Delivering the opening speech, our Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI stated, “All forms of violence, no matter who commits it or whom it targets, are unacceptable. Violence against women, however, stands out as one of the gravest assaults on human dignity, and it deeply disrupts the very foundations of society. As you know, ‘woman’ is the one who holds the family together, raises generations, and embodies the moral compass of society, deserving of the utmost respect, dignity, and trust. At this point, I would like to recall the words of our Prophet Muhammad: ‘The best of you are those who treat women in the best manner.’ This saying is both a measure of humanity and a fundamental principle of civilization. Any act that harms a woman violates this principle and is something society must never accept.”

Expert Presentations on the Multifaceted Nature of Violence

Following the opening remarks and the KADEM-produced video screening on “Persistent Stalking,” the panel continued with presentations by distinguished speakers. Social Worker Tolunay B. KAYACI from the Trabzon Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services delivered a presentation titled “Invisible Violence: Persistent Stalking.” From Karadeniz Technical University’s Faculty of Letters, Department of Psychology, and a Board Member of the Women and Family Studies Application and Research Center (KAÇAUM), Asst. Prof. Dr. Güleycan AKGÖZ discussed the psychological aspects of violence against women in her talk, “What We Mistakenly Believe: The Psychological Dimension of Violence Against Women.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seda GAYRETLİ AYDIN from Trabzon University Faculty of Law examined the intersection of gender-based violence, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence in her presentation, “The Digital Face of Violence Against Women and Gender Biases in Artificial Intelligence.” Representing KADEM Academy and Trabzon University Career Center, Lecturer Ayşegül AYDINLI spoke on the role of civil society in combating violence in her presentation titled “The Civil Front in the Fight Against Violence: KADEM.” Lastly, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin SARDOĞA from the Department of Psychology at Avrasya University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences offered insights into human relationships and psychological resilience through his presentation, “Analyzing Human Relationships Through the Lens of Psychological Resilience.” The session also featured KADEM’s video titled “Together Against Violence,” reinforcing the importance of collective awareness and action.

Throughout the panel, the role of women in society, the causes of gender-based violence, and its psychological, sociological, cultural, and social dimensions were discussed in depth. Preventive mechanisms were introduced, and the need to strengthen University–Society Collaboration, enhance public awareness, and channel academic knowledge into solution-oriented initiatives was strongly emphasized.

The program concluded with our Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI presenting Certificates of Appreciation to the panelists, followed by a group photo.

 

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