In the media, femicides are often presented as individual tragedies. The actions of the person who commits the murder are frequently explained through concepts such as “psychological disorder,” “loss of control,” or an “emotional outburst.” These narratives create a framework that diminishes the gravity of the crime and portrays the violence as an individual eruption. Claims that the man who committed the violence was “angry,” “experiencing a jealousy crisis,” or “emotionally devastated” present the act as if it were an inevitable outcome. However, psychological literature clearly states that anger or intense emotions cannot justify murder. People may experience many powerful emotions; yet how those emotions are expressed falls within the realm of individual responsibility. Murder is not an emotion; it is a deliberate act, and the person who carries it out bears full responsibility both legally and ethically.
Social Norms And Cultural Codes
Focusing solely on individual psychology is not sufficient to understand femicides. Social norms, cultural codes, and the patriarchal order play a decisive role in the emergence of this violence. Men’s attempts to establish control over women are strengthened by cultural patterns that are openly or implicitly supported in many societies. Emotions such as anger, jealousy, or rejection may act as triggers for the behavior of the person who commits the murder; however, these emotions are not explanations that justify the violence. The restriction of women’s public and private lives, their constant exposure to threats, and their surveillance create the structural ground for this violence. Over time, this process normalizes violence and leads the murder to be perceived as an individual psychological outburst.
The Ideological Framework Of Ownership
The patriarchal system produces a powerful ideological framework that makes it possible for men to view women as objects of “ownership.” This sense of ownership can transform into a claim of entitlement that triggers violence in situations such as rejection, divorce, or the loss of decision-making power within a relationship. The man who commits the violence may perceive a woman’s decisions about her own life as a threat. However, this does not eliminate the responsibility of the person who carries out the act. Social structures may reinforce certain patterns of thought, but the responsibility of the individual who decides to commit the murder does not disappear. Psychological analyses may help us understand the behavior of the person who commits the violence; however, using them to excuse the murder creates a serious ethical problem.
Transforming Male-Dominated Norms
Preventing femicides is not possible merely by punishing the perpetrator. It also requires transforming male-dominated norms, sexist language, and unequal power relations. Expressions frequently used in the media such as “sudden anger,” “emotional outburst,” or “jealousy crisis” reduce violence to an individual state of mind. Such language renders the social structures behind the violence invisible and creates the impression that the problem is only an individual matter. However, feminist theories have long demonstrated how social norms and cultural codes nurture male violence. Women’s lives—constantly monitored, restricted, and controlled—create a ground that facilitates the emergence of this violence.
Systematic Shortcomings And Gender Inequality
Gender inequality manifests itself not only in individual relationships but also in state policies, legal regulations, and cultural discourse. For example, the failure to adequately protect women in cases of violence or the insufficient functioning of legal processes shows that the patriarchal order indirectly sustains violence. These systematic shortcomings can provide a strong foundation for men who attempt to establish control over women’s lives. Psychological explanations should not be used to mitigate the violence but to understand the influence of social mechanisms on individuals. Remaining silent contributes to the invisibility and continuation of violence. Defending women’s right to life is the responsibility not only of the victims but of every individual in society.
The Reality Of Women’s Freedom
Every femicide reminds us of the same reality: women’s freedom is still difficult for some to accept. Women making decisions about their own lives may be perceived by some men as a loss of control. For this reason, viewing femicides merely as individual tragedies is a major misconception. These murders are among the most extreme and visible consequences of gender inequality. Women’s right to life cannot be debated or questioned through any tradition, emotion, or cultural justification.
A Shared Responsibility For Change
Without questioning and transforming the cultural patterns that sustain violence, real change is not possible. For women to live safe, free, and equal lives requires a comprehensive transformation at legal, social, and cultural levels. Remaining silent contributes to the continuation of violence; speaking out and objecting is the beginning of change. Women’s lives are inviolable, and defending this principle is the shared responsibility of every member of society.