Enhanced Accountability for Domestic Violence Cases Now in Place within Kazakhstan's Administration
In a significant move to combat domestic violence, Kazakhstan has introduced new provisions to its administrative penalties. The changes, signed into law on July 16, 2025, criminalize stalking and forced marriage, amending several codes including the Criminal Code and the Code on Marriage and Family.
The new law aims to improve protection for victims of domestic violence and related crimes by broadening the scope of punishable behavior. For stalking, penalties now include a fine of up to 200 monthly calculation indices (approximately US$1,492), corrective labor, community service for up to 200 hours, or arrest for up to 50 days.
Regarding forced marriage (which intersects with domestic violence), the penalties can range from fines and corrective labor to imprisonment for up to 10 years, depending on the severity of the case. These reforms introduce more serious consequences, including provisions for special behavioral obligations and community service as alternatives or complements to imprisonment.
The law reflects an overall strengthening of penalties related to gender-based violence and domestic abuse. It is part of a broader legislative effort to enhance the criminal law framework addressing gender-based violence and to optimize criminal-executive procedures.
Measures can be taken against the perpetrator, such as inspection, detention, or arrest, based on the victim's statement. Notably, only 30% of these reports were not confirmed, a figure that was previously twice as high.
The new measures also include increased police monitoring for those under preventive supervision, with violations of special behavioral requirements resulting in 10 days of detention for a first offense and 20 days for repeat offenses. Additionally, the court may impose special behavioral requirements on aggressors, including a ban on purchasing, possessing, and carrying weapons, as well as consuming alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and psychotropic substances.
The perpetrator will have the opportunity to seek reconciliation only once in court. However, it is important to note that victims of domestic violence in Kazakhstan do not have to file a complaint but can indicate that a crime has been committed against them. A protocol can be drawn up based on statements from witnesses, neighbors, CCTV footage, and dashcam footage.
The possibility of assigning community service for domestic violence is being considered in Kazakhstan to end psychological pressure on victims. This move towards diversified and potentially rehabilitative penalties rather than solely punitive incarceration is a significant step forward in addressing domestic violence.
References:
[1] Kazakhstan Today. (2025, July 16). New Law Criminalizes Stalking and Forced Marriage in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from www.kazakhtoday.com
[2] UN Women. (2025, July 19). Kazakhstan Strengthens Penalties for Forced Marriage. Retrieved from www.unwomen.org
- The new law in Kazakhstan, aimed at improving mental health and general wellness, extends beyond domestic violence by also criminalizing stalking and forced marriage, as seen in the changes made to the Criminal Code and the Code on Marriage and Family.
- The enhanced penalties for stalking and forced marriage in Kazakhstan's new law include fines, corrective labor, community service, arrest, imprisonment, and special behavioral obligations, demonstrating a commitment to address crime-and-justice issues related to gender-based violence and domestic abuse.
- Recognizing the psychological impact of domestic violence, Kazakhstan is considering assigning community service for domestic violence offenses as part of the country's effort to diversify penalties and alleviate psychological pressure on victims, contributing to the overall health-and-wellness and mental-health landscape.
