3 Power and Prejudice: Analyzing Domestic Violence in Kazakhstan Through the Lens of Saltanat Nukenova’s Tragedy

Domestic violence remains a grave and persistent issue worldwide, and Kazakhstan is no exception. According to the United Nations, around 400 women are killed annually due to domestic violence in Kazakhstan. The stark reality of this issue was brought into sharp focus with the tragic case of Saltanat Nukenova, a young woman brutally murdered by her husband, a former government minister. Nukenova’s story is not just a tragic headline, but a profound revelation of the systemic problems embedded within Kazakh society. For years, domestic violence in Kazakhstan was shrouded in silence and stigma, but this case ignited a national and global conversation. Despite legislative efforts to address domestic violence, the fluctuating nature of legal protections and deep-seated cultural norms have continued to undermine the safety and autonomy of women. This essay explores the intersectionality of power, privilege, and inequity in the context of domestic violence in Kazakhstan, using the case of Saltanat Nukenova to illustrate how overlapping identities such as gender, class, and power dynamics affect the experience of abuse and resistance efforts.

This story is about a tragedy that reveals one of the most hidden problems within the nation. For many years, domestic violence in Kazakhstan has been a topic shrouded in shame, fear, helplessness, and sorrow. The cries of those suffering under the weight of power, inequality, terror, threats, and both physical, mental, economic and sexual abuse were silenced for too long. But about a year ago, everything changed. Those once-muted voices found a glimmer of hope, but at what cost? The ultimate, most sacred cost—human life. The unimaginable burden fell on the shoulders of a young woman named Saltanat Nukenova. She was beaten to death in a brutal assault by her husband, a former government minister. For six months, the entire country was horrified by this story, witnessing every step of the process—from their relationship to the day of the tragedy, to the investigation, and finally, the court proceedings. Before she met him, she was an independent, educated, and strong woman with a good financial status. She had a deep interest in astrology and was a self-made, young, kind and beautiful individual. He, on the other hand, was a former government minister—a man in power with a brilliant education, a successful career, and numerous influential connections. However, his rise was marred when he was jailed for bribery in 2017. His release, less than three years into a ten-year sentence, sparked criticism that the establishment is lenient toward its own, while dissidents are routinely thrown behind bars (“The murder that aroused,” 2024). This lesson didn’t stop him from making more wrong decisions; instead, it emboldened him, making him believe he could commit even more heinous acts and still escape justice. He first saw her on social media, where he began trying to capture her attention, though she initially refused his advances. However, after a long, obsessive courtship, he eventually managed to obtain her phone number. Within months of that meeting, they were married. It didn’t take long for the problems to begin. In less than a year of marriage, Saltanat Nukenova endured unimaginable horror—physical threats, abuse, financial control, and relentless mental and physical torment—before he ultimately took her life. “On May 13th a court handed him a 24-year prison sentence. Millions of Kazakhs had tuned into the live-streamed trial, which sparked anguished soul-searching over domestic violence—and highlighted the sense of entitlement and impunity among Kazakhstan’s rich and powerful” (“The murder that aroused,” 2024). As the courtroom live stream revealed the brutal cruelty inflicted on a human life, no one could remain indifferent. Social media platforms, podcasts addressing domestic abuse, and national television were abuzz with discussions about the case. People around the world who cared took strikes and demonstrations. Over 150,000 individuals signed a petition calling for urgent reform of domestic violence laws.

Looking back at the outlines of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, we see that the 1998 Criminal Code initially criminalized battery and minor bodily harm, reflecting a growing societal concern about domestic violence. This concern was driven by social crises, international conventions, global information exchange, and the efforts of human rights NGOs. However, in 2004, battery was decriminalized and downgraded to an administrative violation, resulting in lighter penalties. The adoption of Law No. 214-4 on the Prevention of Domestic Violence in 2009 marked progress by defining domestic violence and introducing protective orders, although its practical effectiveness was questioned. Subsequent legal reforms in 2011 and 2015 oscillated between decriminalizing and re-criminalizing domestic violence-related offenses. By 2017, Kazakhstan had once again decriminalized domestic violence, reducing battery and minor bodily harm to administrative offenses, leading to criticism that this approach inadequately protected victims. Researchers consistently highlighted that domestic violence in Kazakhstan remained unresolved and was potentially worsening, which adversely affected the protection of women’s and girls’ rights (Zhubandykova et al., 2024). “Politicians have tended to take domestic violence lightly in Kazakhstan. Yet every year one in six women is reckoned to face it … Last year an MP suggested punishing women who “provoke” attacks. But Ms Nukenova’s murder has changed the equation” (“The murder that aroused,” 2024). Due to the situation and heightened public attention, the judicial process was made highly accessible to the media and the public, which prompted swift changes in legislation. In April 2024, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed historic laws strengthening protections for women and children. These laws criminalize domestic violence and introduce penalties for bullying and cyberbullying minors. They also require schools to report crimes involving children and impose life imprisonment for pedophilia and child murder. The legislation includes measures to prevent and address suicide, fortify family institutions, and establish support centers for victims of domestic violence. These laws are the first of their kind in the CIS region, marking a significant step forward in protecting women and children (Dipanjan, 2024). “UNDP in Kazakhstan has commended legislative initiatives protecting women’s and children’s rights, a crucial step towards equality, justice, & safety for all citizens. These changes enhance protection for vulnerable groups & lay a foundation for a stable, prosperous society, according to UNDP”(Dipanjan, 2024, para. 8). A detailed review of the changes in accountability for domestic violence in Kazakhstan helps to clarify the complexity of the issue, revealing that simple solutions, like introducing new laws, have not significantly improved the situation. Over the past 25 years, both governmental and non-governmental organizations have focused on combating domestic violence. However, the motivations behind legislative changes have not been clearly communicated to the public and were often not open to public debate. The alternating patterns of decriminalizing, then tightening, and again softening penalties for domestic violence, driven by various sociopolitical forces and high-profile events, highlight the need for greater involvement from researchers. This involvement is crucial for developing sustainable social mechanisms to prevent domestic violence in Kazakhstan. Consequently, there is a pressing need to establish a new system of institutions to prevent domestic violence and to change how law enforcement agencies address this issue (Zhubandykova et al., 2024).

Examining the overall prevalence of domestic violence against women and girls in Kazakhstan in comparison to other countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) highlights the issue within a wider context. Like its regional counterparts, Kazakhstan experiences high rates of various forms of violence against women and girls, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse (Zhubandykova et al., 2024). Moreover, “sociological survey conducted in 2020 on the topic of domestic violence and its latent nature via SMS revealed that violence primarily targets women, as reported by 72% of respondents (Abdramanova & Alaukhanov, 2020). This was followed by violence against children (34%) and then against disabled and elderly family members” (Zhubandykova et al., 2024, p.222). Why are these numbers greater and increasing in this region? Several systemic factors might be contributing to these trends. One of the most significant is the influence of cultural norms, attitudes, and religious aspects. Kazakhstan, like other Eastern countries, is deeply rooted in traditional and more conservative cultural influences. To better understand the family culture and standards in Kazakhstan, it is crucial to consider the position of women in Kazakh society. Absatar and Alishayeva (2023) provide a vivid and detailed depiction:

The discriminatory treatment of a Kazakh girl is shown in the Oscar-awarded film
(2020) Uly Dala Zary (in English: Cry of the Great Steppe) by Marina Kunarova, filmed in connection with the famine of 1932-1933 (see also Young 2000). Running away from the hungry wolves, the mother throws her little daughter to the wolves and takes her son with her. The poor girl, who was screaming “Mom, do not leave me” was eaten by wolves. The meaning here is that the mother is forced to save only her son, because the son is the progenitor. Of course, it is impossible to compare what happened then and the current situation. But there are many people in society who consider the birth of a boy to be joy and happiness but are sad when a girl is born. If there are many girls in the family, a newborn boy is given the name “Ulbolsyn,” “Ultuar” (English: “to be a boy”) with the belief that a boy will be born after the youngest girl. And this means that the girl starts being discriminated against and is a child that family members did not want from the very beginning. From the beginning, therefore, boys learn to treat girls like a thing, even when they take girls and give them brides. This estranging and discriminatory social pattern destroys the fate of many girls and even causes death (p.43).

From a young age, girls in Kazakhstan are prepared for traditional roles as wives and mothers. They are expected to carry family life burdens, including cooking, cleaning, and giving birth, and taking care of their children and husbands. In addition to these demanding responsibilities, many women also attempt to work outside the home, balancing careers with their domestic duties. This overwhelming expectation often leaves women with little support or recognition, reinforcing their subordinate position within the family and society at large. Deeply entrenched patriarchal norms and gender roles often perpetuate the idea that men have authority over women, making it difficult for victims to seek help or for society to take domestic violence seriously. This cultural acceptance of male dominance and female submission contributes to the persistence of domestic violence. Another systemic factor contributing to the persistence of domestic violence in Kazakhstan is the issue of inconsistent legal protections. Over the years, the legal framework addressing domestic violence has seen multiple shifts, reflecting the fluctuating priorities of the state and the influence of various social and political forces. These inconsistencies have had a detrimental impact on the protection of women and girls, often leaving them vulnerable to abuse without adequate legal recourse. For a long time, there was little political and consistent legal support, which eroded trust in the fairness of the system. “Women were subjected to cultural and social acceptance of domestic violence with no policies to protect them. Although the protection of women through policies has improved over the years, however, domestic violence continues to be a persistent problem, especially in contexts where culture and traditions are dominant” (Mshweshwe, 2020). Although laws exist on paper, their enforcement is often weak due to inadequate training of law enforcement personnel, lack of resources, and prevailing societal attitudes that trivialize domestic violence. Victims may face significant barriers in accessing justice, including reluctance from police to file reports, insufficient support services, and lengthy legal processes that discourage them from pursuing their cases.

The tragic case of Saltanat Nukenova, a Kazakh woman who was brutally murdered by her husband, a former minister and politician with significant power and privilege, exemplifies the complex interplay of intersecting identities—gender, class, power and the mental manipulation in abusive relationships—in the experience of domestic violence in Kazakhstan. Nukenova’s story sheds light on how these overlapping identities can compound the challenges faced by victims and limit their access to protection and justice. “Power can be wielded by others to help or harm us, but we can also wield power in ways that benefit or hurt. For example, we can use power to protect and uplift ourselves and others. Likewise, shame and coercion are examples of power that can harm” (“Effective Advocacy,” para. 2). In relationships where one partner wields considerable social and political power, the imbalance becomes a tool of oppression, with the abuser exploiting their privilege to maintain control and silence the victim. “The study found that some women have a higher risk of becoming a victim of domestic violence, mainly: – women with a low level of education; – women who are not currently employed or have never worked; – women with children and economically dependent on their husbands; – women with low self-esteem; – women who do not have sufficient legal literacy” (Beaver & Surayeva, 2021). Nukenova’s husband was a wealthy individual with extensive property holdings, which provided him with financial leverage and social standing. His affluent lifestyle and control over substantial resources added another layer of power dynamics in their relationship. This wealth not only solidified his position of authority but also created financial dependency for Nukenova, making it even harder for her to leave the abusive environment. His excellent foreign education and superior communication skills further empowered him to manipulate those around him. The advanced education he received likely afforded him sophisticated rhetorical skills, which he used to justify his behavior and undermine Nukenova’s sense of reality. His ability to articulate his views persuasively would have made it easier for him to gaslight her, creating doubt and confusion about the abuse she was experiencing. His narcissistic traits played a crucial role in psychological manipulation. This manipulation likely involved psychological tactics designed to undermine Nukenova’s self-esteem, making her feel powerless and dependent on him. Finally, in a society where traditional gender norms place men in dominant roles and often diminish the status of women, Nukenova’s husband’s power and privilege were particularly impactful. His gender, combined with his status and personality, allowed him to perpetuate a cycle of control and oppression. The imbalance created by his position of authority and wealth became a mechanism for maintaining dominance, reinforcing societal norms that view women as subordinate. The case of Saltanat Nukenova underscores the need for intersectional approaches to addressing domestic violence in Kazakhstan, with particular attention to the mental manipulation that occurs in abusive relationships, especially when the abuser is a person of power. Legal reforms and social support systems must consider the ways in which such individuals manipulate their victims and ensure that protections are in place to help victims regain their autonomy and safety. This includes providing legal, economic, and social resources that empower women to escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives.                          The tragic murder of Saltanat Nukenova has illuminated the severe and often hidden issues of domestic violence in Kazakhstan. Nukenova’s case has become a symbol of resilience and a catalyst for change, demonstrating that women can challenge the power structures that have long silenced their voices. Her story underscores the urgent need for an intersectional approach to addressing domestic violence—one that considers the complex layers of identity, including gender, class, and power dynamics, which affect both the experience of abuse and the effectiveness of legal and social responses. Despite recent legislative advancements, persistent cultural norms and inconsistent legal protections continue to impede meaningful progress. To foster a safer and more equitable society, Kazakhstan must not only implement stricter legal measures but also confront the underlying cultural and systemic factors that sustain domestic violence. By embracing and addressing the intersectionality of power, privilege, and abuse, the nation can strive towards ensuring that tragedies like Nukenova’s are not repeated, and that victims are empowered to seek justice and support without fear.

References

Absatar, A., & Alishayeva, B. (2023). “Bird in a Cage”: Traditions and Customs That Restrict Women’s Rights in the Kazakh Context as a Research Topic. Ethics in Progress, 14(2), 38–49. https://doi.org/10.14746/eip.2023.2.3

Beaver, K. M., & Surayeva, K. S. (2021). Criminological problems of domestic violence against women. Habaršy – A̋l-Farabi Atyndag̣y K̦azak̦ Memlekettik Ụlttyk̦ Universiteti.Zan̦ Seriâsy, 97(1). https://doi.org/10.26577/JAPJ.2021.v97.i1.06

Dipanjan, R. C. (2024, Apr 19). Kazakhstan creates history in CIS region: New laws introduced for women & children safety. The Economic. http://168.156.198.98:2048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/kazakhstan-creates-history-cis-region-new-laws/docview/3041209193/se-2

Linda, M. (2020). Understanding domestic violence: masculinity, culture, traditions. Heliyon, 6(10), e05334-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05334

Phoenix Zones Initiative. (n.d.). Effective advocacy: understand power dynamics. https://www.phoenixzonesinitiative.org/effective-advocacy-power-dynamics/

The murder that aroused a nation. (2024, May 16). The Economist. http://168.156.198.98:2048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/magazines/murder-that-aroused-nation/docview/3055508453/se-2

Zhubandykova, L., Borchashvili, I., & Tuleugalieva, Z. (2024) Combating Domestic Violence: Developing Legislative and Socio-Organizational Measures to Protect Women in Kazakhstan. Balkan Social Science Review, [s. l.], v. 23, p. 213–234, 2024. DOI 10.46763/bssr242323213z. https://research-ebsco-com.vwlmcproxy01.lwtech.edu/linkprocessor/plink?id=f4b8da9a-82d1-3dba-afff-038cfe9d8933.