Turkish Penal Code uses the definition of "child" for victims under the age of 18 and stipulates that many crimes should be punished with heavy punishment as a qualified case.
Examples of Qualified Cases in Crimes Against Children
- Deliberate murder - against a child (TCK art.82/1-d): aggravated life imprisonment
- Sexual abuse (TCK). Article 103): 8-15 years, insertion of an organ into the body: 16+ years
- Abortion/miscarriage (TCK Article 99-100)
- Ill-treatment (TCK Article 232/2)
- Violation of obligations arising from family law (TCK Article 233)
Child Victim Protection
- Closed hearing
- Child Monitoring Center (ÇİM)
- One-time statement
- In the presence of a pedagogue/psychologist
- Free attorney
- Concealment of identity
Child Perpetrators
- 0-12 years: No criminal liability (TCK Article 31/1)
- 12-15 years: Discount + security measures
- 15-18 years: Reduction in penalty (TCK Article 31/3)
Children's Courts
Child perpetrator or victim files are heard in the Children's Court. Judges and prosecutors are trained in child law.
Child law and criminal lawyer support is recommended.