In a landmark ruling that holds all European governments responsible for protecting victims of domestic violence, the European Court of Human Rights held that the Turkish government did not protect Nahide Opuz from her abusive husband, repeatedly letting him out of jail after multiple accounts of abuse and even murder.

In another twist to the story, Opuz has apparently gone into hiding, fearing her abusive husband will return for revenge. According to surveys, four out of ten married Turkish women suffer from domestic violence at the hands of their husbands.

This ruling is a landmark decision because it holds governments across Europe accountabe to victims of domestic violence. If these women are not protected in the courts, then hefty fines will be levied against them. Good for the European Court of Human Rights for recognizing that the protection of human rights extends to victims of violence and are the responsibility of the state!

* Image courtesy of http://probonopinoy.com/ECHR.jpg