HOW MUCH COMPENSATION CAN I GET FROM MY TURKISH HUSBAND?

In a divorce involving domestic violence in Turkey, the amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on several factors, including the financial and emotional impact of the violence, the length of the marriage, and your husband’s financial situation. There are two main types of compensation you can seek:

1. Material Compensation (Maddi Tazminat): This compensation is intended to cover financial losses you may have incurred due to the marriage, the divorce, or the violence you experienced. It could include:

   • Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for any reduction in your standard of living or income due to the divorce, especially if you were financially dependent on your spouse.

   • Medical Expenses: If you incurred medical costs or other expenses related to the violence, you may request reimbursement.

   • Other Financial Hardships: Any financial disadvantage or costs incurred during the marriage or as a result of the divorce.

   The court will assess these factors and the financial standing of both spouses to determine the amount of material compensation.

2. Moral Compensation (Manevi Tazminat): Moral compensation is awarded for non-financial damages, like the psychological impact, emotional distress, and trauma resulting from domestic violence. In cases where the violence was severe or ongoing, courts may award higher amounts for moral compensation.

Factors Affecting the Amount of Compensation

The Turkish family court will consider the following when determining the compensation amount:

• Duration of the Marriage: Longer marriages may result in higher compensation awards, especially if the spouse seeking compensation made significant sacrifices (e.g., gave up a career).

• Severity of the Violence and Its Impact: The physical and psychological harm caused by the violence will influence the compensation amount. Documentation such as medical reports and police records can support your case.

• Financial Means of Your Husband: The court considers your husband’s financial capacity to pay compensation. If he has a substantial income or assets, the amount awarded may be higher.

• Contributory Fault: Although this may not apply in cases involving violence, Turkish courts may consider whether either party contributed to the deterioration of the marriage. In cases of documented violence, however, the court typically favors the victim.

Additional Support Options

In addition to compensation, you may also request alimony (nafaka) if you will require ongoing financial support after the divorce. Turkish courts may grant this based on your financial need and your husband’s ability to pay.

Average Compensation Amounts

There is no standard amount, as each case is unique. Compensation awards vary greatly and depend on the factors mentioned above. In some cases, compensation can range from a few thousand Turkish liras to more substantial amounts, especially if the spouse is wealthy and the harm caused is significant. Consulting a Turkish family lawyer will give you a better idea of what you can reasonably claim based on similar cases in your area.

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