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Violence Against Women: 10 Reports / Year 2003virginity control exams. Young girls and women in detention facilitiescontinue to be subjected to virginity tests by state officers as a means ofhumiliation. 46The maintenance of female virginity has traditionally been equated with“family honour,” and continues to be one of the greatest causes of violenceagainst women. Coercive virginity tests are a form of degradingtreatment, which are both discriminatory and unsafe, and constitute a violationby State authorities of the bodily integrity, person and dignity ofwomen in Turkey.A problem closely related to the maintenance of female virginity and familyhonour is the high rate of suicide among young girls in Turkey. Girlscommit suicide in large numbers because they have lost their virginity orbecause they have been forced into marriage or sent away to special reeducationestablishments. 47 Oftentimes, a woman who has somehow violatedthe family “honour” is given the choice of committing suicide,rather than being killed by a family member, and usually women choosethis option. 484. Violence in the Community4.1 Rape and other Forms of Sexual ViolenceAs mentioned above, articles 414-424 of the Turkish Criminal Code dealwith crimes of sexual assault, entitled “Felonies Against Public Decencyand Family Order.” The title of this section of the Code demonstrates thatthe approach taken by State authorities to the investigation and the prosecutionof sexual violence does not stress the violation of the physical andpsychological integrity of victim, but rather the harm suffered by the familyand the community.Article 414 states that “whosoever rapes a minor under the age of 15 shallbe sentenced to a minimum of five years imprisonment.” If force, violence,threats or abuse of minors is involved then the minimum sentenceis 10 years’ imprisonment. According to article 415, “Those who commitan act or action against the honour and chastity of a child who has notcompleted the age of 15 shall be imprisoned from two to four years and if356