OSCE Centre in Ashgabat supports new domestic violence hotline

ASHGABAT, 7 September 2009 - A domestic violence hotline initiated and supported by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat opened officially in Turkmenistan today.

The new hotline will be run by the non-governmental organization Keik Okara and will be operational six days per week, 11 hours per day. The number will be publicized through information flyers.

"The hotline will assist victims of domestic violence, and will further help to raise awareness about the importance of preventing and combating domestic violence," said Ambassador Arsim Zekolli, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

Within the framework of this OSCE-supported project, Keik Okara will also provide free legal consultations and psychological assistance to victims of domestic violence and will organize 15 awareness-raising seminars on domestic violence for the general public.