Recently, society has become seriously concerned about the rise in cases of violence against women, including tragic incidents involving murders. Activists and concerned citizens point out that these cases are often the result of years of hidden domestic violence. Women frequently do not seek help from relatives or law enforcement, which exacerbates the situation.
A tragedy occurred recently in Bishkek: a 47-year-old woman was killed by her ex-husband. The Internal Affairs Department of the Sverdlovsk District confirmed that a criminal case has been initiated under the article "Murder," and an investigation is currently underway. The suspect has been placed in a temporary detention facility.
According to Azamat Toktonaliev, the head of the Bishkek City Police, the couple had been married for 10 years.
It is known that the deceased worked as a teacher at the Kyrgyz Economic University. On the day of the tragedy, it was her birthday, and the video shows the couple entering the apartment with a cake. After the court session, they met to discuss their problems, while the older child was sent to the grandmother to pick up the younger ones.
This year, the death of 38-year-old Aizirek Eralieva, a mother of five, was also registered in the Osh region; she died from a gunshot wound. In this case, her husband is accused of murder.
Analysis of murder statistics shows alarming figures:
- 2021 — 36 women
- 2022 — 41 women
- 2023 — 21 women
- 2024 — 34 women
- 8 months of 2025 — 21 women.
“This happens because they think: ‘I can behave however I want with this person; they have nowhere to go.’ Aggression is often a result of insecurity and an inability to express their thoughts verbally. If a man has shown physical aggression for the first time, the woman should not remain silent. However, many women are afraid to take the first step, whether it is contacting the police or talking to relatives, due to fear of public opinion and possible retaliation from their partner. Therefore, support from family is crucial,” Isabekova added.
Unfortunately, cases where women become victims of stalking by ex-husbands even after divorce are not uncommon.
Gulzat Isabekova noted that when a divorce is initiated by a man, the woman usually does not face his aggression. But if a woman proposes a divorce, many men perceive it as an insult to their dignity and begin to threaten.
“This indicates the presence of mental disorders. A normal person understands that if the relationship did not work out, it is better to part ways. Women often share with me that their ex-husbands threaten them: ‘I won’t let you live, I’ll kill you, I’ll find you everywhere.’ I always advise them to contact the police,” the psychologist emphasized.
In her opinion, active preventive work is necessary, which should be conducted in schools, universities, the media, and especially in mosques.
“When I give lectures to students aged 16–18, they say that if a girl is being humiliated or beaten, she should immediately contact the police and her relatives. This is a positive trend. Men also need to learn to express emotions without resorting to violence. Raising sons and daughters can influence parents' attitudes. We must unite to stop domestic violence in the country,” Isabekova concluded.
