Kostanay Polytechnic Higher College held mentoring sessions on violence prevention. As part of a national information campaign to improve legal literacy, our institution held a series of mentoring sessions on the topic of “Zero Tolerance of Violence: Law, Tradition, and Personal Boundaries.”

Why is this important?

Over the past two years, Kazakhstan’s legislation has undergone significant changes. Starting in July 2024, battery was criminalized, and starting in September 2025, stalking and forced marriage were criminalized.

The goal of our meetings is not only to explain the new articles of the Criminal Code to young people but also to dispel dangerous stereotypes that sometimes disguise themselves as “traditions.”

“Kyz alyp kashu” is not a tradition, but a crime. The students discussed Article 125-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It’s important to understand: any abduction or forced marriage against a person’s will carries a severe penalty (up to 10 years’ imprisonment in aggravated cases).

Stalking: When Attention Becomes a Threat. We discussed that persistent stalking (including online) that frightens a person or forces them to change their lifestyle is now officially punishable (Article 115-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan).

Personal Boundaries and a Culture of Consent. The curators emphasized that the true values ​​of our people are based on respect for the honor and dignity of women, not on force and coercion.

During the meetings, students received instructions on how to act if they or their loved ones are facing pressure or stalking:

Don’t be silent: Seek help from parents, teachers, or psychologists.

Record the facts: Save screenshots of conversations, audio messages, and call recordings.

Know the emergency numbers: 102 – police; 111 is the unified helpline for family, women, and children’s rights; 150 is the national helpline.

“Legal literacy is the best defense. We want every one of our students to feel safe and know that the law is on their side. Building a zero-tolerance attitude toward violence begins with each of us,” the event organizers noted.