The Role of Criminal Policies in Reducing Violent Crimes against Women and Children

Abstract

Violence against women and children is one of the most serious social and legal issues in contemporary societies, which has widespread consequences on security, mental health, and family cohesion. This descriptive-analytical study aims to examine the role of criminal policies in reducing violent crimes against these vulnerable groups. Criminal policies, including judicial, executive, and support measures, play a decisive role in preventing crime, supporting victims, and deterring perpetrators. In the judicial sector, specialized procedural laws and procedures, the use of special family courts and branches, closed hearings, and the use of psychologists and social workers protect victims and promote criminal justice. Executive policies also include operational measures by the police and judicial officers, the implementation of temporary and protective orders, the establishment of support centers and cooperation networks with governmental and non-governmental institutions that ensure the immediate and long-term security of victims. On the other hand, support measures by governmental institutions and non-governmental organizations, the provision of legal and psychological counseling, temporary shelters, and educational and awareness-raising programs complement judicial and executive activities. However, research shows that challenges such as delayed proceedings, poor implementation of protection orders, lack of specialized training for officers and judges, and limited resources and specialized centers have prevented the full realization of the goals of criminal policies. The results of the research indicate that the integration of judicial, executive, and support criminal policies by establishing specialized institutions, continuous training, and strengthening support networks can play an effective role in reducing violence against women and children. These findings emphasize the importance of a multidimensional and coordinated approach in the design and implementation of criminal policies and show that comprehensive support for victims, effective prevention of recidivism, and promotion of social justice can only be achieved through cooperation between the judiciary, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations.