In 2024, the number of divorces in Tajikistan decreased, but complaints about domestic violence and early marriages increased, the head of the Committee for Women and Family’s Affairs under the Government of Tajikistan, Ms. Bunafsha Fayziddinzoda told reporters in Dushanbe on February 10.  

Increase in domestic violence

Ms. Fayziddinzoda, in particular, stated that in 2024, more than 550 men approached them with complaints of violence and mistreatment, which is 61 cases more than in 2023.

During the same period, 2,652 complaints were filed by women regarding violence and mistreatment by men. This is 84 cases more than in 2023.

In total, the Committee reportedly received 3,200 reports of violence last year, an increase of 148 cases compared to 2023.

"Violence against men most often arises from domestic disputes, especially when third parties, including the relatives of women who have suffered abuse from their husbands, get involved. In such situations, women feel powerless and inevitably rely on someone, such as a brother, father, or other relatives," said Fayziddinzoda.

According to her, 3,246 crimes were committed against women and girls last year, compared to 3,418 in 2023.

"Out of this number, 208 crimes were committed against underage girls, which is 72 cases more than in 2023.  More than 1,700 crimes were committed by women and girls, which is 172 fewer than in 2023," she added.

Increase in early marriages

According to Fayziddinzoda, in 2024, Tajikistan recorded 55 cases of illegal marriages involving girls who had not reached the legal marriage age. This is 18 cases more than in 2023.

Criminal proceedings have been instituted against their parents under Article 169 of Tajikistan’s Penal Code -- marriage with a person who has not reached the legal marriage age.  This article prescribes a fine ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 calculation indicators (current 1 calculation indicator equals to 75.00 somonis) or corrective labor for up to 2 years, or imprisonment for up to five years.

Additionally, 771 cases of marriage age reduction by court decision were recorded last year, 31 cases fewer than in the previous year.

In Tajikistan, the legal marriage age for girls is 18. However, according to Article 13 of the Family Code of Tajikistan, in exceptional cases and at the request of the spouses, a court decision may lower the established marriage age by no more than one year.

The chairperson of the Committee on Women and Family’s Affairs emphasized that early marriages often “lead to family breakdowns.”

Last year, more than 400 cases of suicides and suicide attempts among women and girls were also recorded in the country, 13 cases more than in 2023.  Of these, 316 (compared to 334 in 2023) were suicides, and 99 (compared to 68) were attempted suicides.

Bunafsha Fayziddinzoda stated that one of the main reasons for suicides among women and girls is their unpreparedness for family life.