Khatuns to comrades to capitalists: domestic violence law in modern Mongolia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Since 1990, Mongolia has encountered serious economic and social problems. The transition from authoritarian socialism to a free-market economy has proven to be difficult and somewhat chaotic. The collapse of the old system of pastoral organization and the closing of many industries has resulted in unemployment, a high level of poverty, and an increase in alcoholism. Women, who had received benefits from the socialist government in the forms of maternal rest homes and child welfare allowances and worked as teachers, doctors, and government officials, faced new burdens. Some of the benefits were rescinded, and fewer women were elected to the Parliament. They also faced a rising level of domestic violence from unemployed male spouses or partners. The government did not enact a Law to Combat Domestic Violence until 2004, and the law proved to be ineffective because it did not criminalize domestic violence and did not train police officers to deal with such abuses. After considerable efforts by several female legislators, a new Domestic Violence Law was enacted in 2017, which criminalized domestic violence and provided training for police officers. However, during the pandemic, cases of domestic violence apparently increased, and it remains to be seen whether the 2017 law will be effective.