Research Article

Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation

Volume: 37 Number: 2 April 30, 2026
TR EN

Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation

Abstract

Child neglect and abuse remain a serious concern worldwide, touching on emotional, physical, sexual, and social dimensions of children’s lives. This study set out to examine the current situation in Van province through a mixed-method design, with particular attention to differences by gender and age. Secondary analysis was conducted on TURKSTAT data covering 2018-2022. Because institutional micro-data were inaccessible, in-depth interviews were carried out with seven field experts to capture regional dynamics. Quantitative results showed statistically significant associations (p < .001) between children’s gender and their reasons for coming to security units, types of victimization, and alleged crime categories. The patterns predominantly featured children aged 15 to 17. Qualitatively, participants pointed out that official figures likely understate the real scope of abuse; family-related cases, in particular, tend to stay hidden behind cultural norms and social pressure. Perpetrators were said to come mostly from within the victim’s own circle, and reporting was described as running into persistent sociocultural obstacles, such as stigma and fear of retaliation, which further complicate the victims' ability to seek help. Drawing on these findings, the study proposes measures aimed at raising public awareness, improving professional training, and strengthening child protection.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Ethics Committee Decision dated May 23, 2024, and numbered 2024/10, obtained from the Ethics Committee of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University.

Thanks

The views expressed in this article are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the TURKSTAT or any other person or organization.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sociology (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 30, 2026

Submission Date

August 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 19, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 37 Number: 2

APA
Gezer Tuğrul, Y., & Özdemir, O. (2026). Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation. Toplum Ve Sosyal Hizmet, 37(2), 575-606. https://doi.org/10.33417/tsh.1771836
AMA
1.Gezer Tuğrul Y, Özdemir O. Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet. 2026;37(2):575-606. doi:10.33417/tsh.1771836
Chicago
Gezer Tuğrul, Yasemin, and Olgun Özdemir. 2026. “Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation”. Toplum Ve Sosyal Hizmet 37 (2): 575-606. https://doi.org/10.33417/tsh.1771836.
EndNote
Gezer Tuğrul Y, Özdemir O (April 1, 2026) Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet 37 2 575–606.
IEEE
[1]Y. Gezer Tuğrul and O. Özdemir, “Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation”, Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 575–606, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.33417/tsh.1771836.
ISNAD
Gezer Tuğrul, Yasemin - Özdemir, Olgun. “Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation”. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet 37/2 (April 1, 2026): 575-606. https://doi.org/10.33417/tsh.1771836.
JAMA
1.Gezer Tuğrul Y, Özdemir O. Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet. 2026;37:575–606.
MLA
Gezer Tuğrul, Yasemin, and Olgun Özdemir. “Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation”. Toplum Ve Sosyal Hizmet, vol. 37, no. 2, Apr. 2026, pp. 575-06, doi:10.33417/tsh.1771836.
Vancouver
1.Yasemin Gezer Tuğrul, Olgun Özdemir. Child Abuse and Neglect in Van Province: A Sociological and Statistical Evaluation. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet. 2026 Apr. 1;37(2):575-606. doi:10.33417/tsh.1771836