The Women and Democracy Foundation (KADEM) has analyzed the most-watched TV series to map the portrayal of violence as part of its research for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25. Based on the findings, the campaign titled “DON’T BE A SPECTATOR TO VIOLENCE” aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of violence against women depicted in TV series.

As part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, KADEM carried out a comprehensive study titled “Violence Against Women in Media and Viewer Awareness: An Analysis of Domestic TV Series.” The findings of the research, which form the basis of KADEM’s “Don’t Be a Spectator to Violence” campaign, were shared with the public during a launch event held at Sepetçiler Pavilion.

PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN LEADS IN TV SERIES! 

The study analyzed 14 of the most-watched domestic TV series broadcast on television and digital platforms in Türkye over the past year in the context of violence against women.

Conducted by a team of 10 experts specializing in media content, the research identified a total of 3,013 scenes depicting violence against women across these 14 series.

In the analyzed series, 51% of the scenes featured psychological violence against women, followed by 24% depicting verbal violence, 11% multidimensional violence, 8% physical violence, 4% sexual violence, and 1% cyber violence. The research also revealed that scenes of violence against women lasted an average of 834 seconds (13.9 minutes) per episode in television series, compared to an average of 358 seconds (5.9 minutes) per episode on digital platforms. (This difference is attributed to the shorter duration of episodes on digital platforms.)

The research also uncovered the context of violence depicted in the series. It was found that 1,523 scenes (51%) of violence against women involved domestic violence, 364 scenes (12%) depicted social group or community violence, 359 scenes (12%) involved workplace violence, and 317 scenes (10%) portrayed dating violence.

In a press conference attended by KADEM Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar, KADEM Chairperson of the Board of Directors Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saliha Okur Gümrükçüoğlu, and board members, the details of the campaign were shared, and the first screening of the public service announcement highlighting violence in the media was shown.

Protecting Women and Families from Violence is the Shared Responsibility of All Society

In her speech at the meeting, KADEM Chairperson of the Board of Directors Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saliha Okur Gümrükçüoğlu said: “Television series have a powerful influence in shaping the ideal image of women, defining their role in the family, and determining their position in society. Unfortunately, depictions of women that disregard human dignity and examples of violence against women are central themes in many series today. The types of violence embedded in these series are often presented in an aestheticized and romanticized way, normalizing them. All forms of violence against women infiltrate our homes through these shows. Scenes of violence, whether witnessed or experienced, have a negative impact, especially on children who are still in the stages of personality development and socialization. Protecting women and families from violence is not only the responsibility of women’s associations but of society as a whole. TV producers, screenwriters, channels, and advertisers must also share in this responsibility.”

Responding to questions from the press about the campaign, KADEM Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar said that every November 25, they choose a different form of violence against women as the focus of their campaign, and their ultimate goal is to eliminate all forms of violence from society. She explained that this year’s campaign addresses violence in the media and is based on an academic study. Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar continued, “It is scientifically known that violence is contagious and that even watching violence causes irreparable harm to society. We must not allow the normalization of violence in people’s minds, especially during the hours when families spend the most time in front of screens. This research has shown us that series with little or no violence can still attract attention and achieve high ratings. Resorting to violence, like sexuality, just to gain views actually raises questions about the quality of the film. In fact, we can determine whether a series is truly successful by looking at the level of violence it contains.”

The Campaign’s Message Will Reach All of Türkiye

The “Don’t Be a Spectator to Violence” campaign will be broadcast as a public service announcement on television as part of mandatory broadcasting. Additionally, it will spread widely through KADEM’s 55 representatives across Türkiye and the fieldwork of KADEM Youth volunteers. The campaign’s message will also be shared in public squares, on billboards, and digital screens.