Assessment of the Implementation of the Correctional Program for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence in Kyrgyzstan: Research, Goals, and Objectives

Domestic violence remains one of the most pressing human rights and public security issues in the Kyrgyz Republic. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in 2024 alone, 17,316 cases were registered — 32% more than in 2023. The majority of victims are women aged 18–34, and the manifestations of violence vary: physical, sexual, psychological, and economic. At the same time, a significant number of cases remain unregistered, as victims fear secondary victimization and lack trust in existing protection mechanisms.

One of the modern tools for combating domestic violence has been the introduction of correctional programs for aggressors — individuals who have committed acts of violence. For Kyrgyzstan, this is a relatively new approach: only in 2019 was a standard program approved, which enabled non-governmental organizations, with state support, to begin practical work on changing the behavior patterns of perpetrators. These programs are aimed at preventing reoffending and developing skills for non-violent conflict resolution among participants.

The study “Assessment of the Implementation of the Correctional Program for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence in the Kyrgyz Republic: Achievements and Challenges”, conducted by independent experts Aida Kurbanova and Cholpon Akmatova with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Kyrgyzstan, is devoted to evaluating the effectiveness of this mechanism.

The goal of the study is to analyze how well the program meets its stated objectives, assess its real outcomes, and identify the challenges in its implementation. As part of the research, the experts collected data on the program’s application, identified strengths and systemic gaps, and prepared recommendations for improvement.

Special attention is given to issues of interagency cooperation, professional training, sustainable funding, and expanding the program’s reach. The study aims not only to provide an interim assessment but also to serve as a basis for further steps by the state and civil society to reduce the level of domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan.