12.01.2026 18:51
Communication habits between partners are changing in the digital age, leading to new legal discussions. Behaviors such as silencing and blocking, which can be considered psychological violence, have started to be presented as evidence in family courts. Experts emphasize that behaviors exhibited in the digital environment can have legal consequences.
With the change in communication habits in the digital age, issues between spouses and partners are bringing new legal discussions along with them. The question of whether behaviors such as muting, blocking, or deliberately not responding to messages can be considered psychological violence has come to the fore with the recent cases reflected in family courts.
"NOT RESPONDING TO MESSAGES IS PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE"
In the cases seen in family courts, it is observed that emotional and digital pressure elements are presented as evidence alongside classic physical violence. Experts emphasize that if such behaviors exhibited in the digital environment are systematic and intentional, they can have legal consequences. Lawyer Burak Evci, who evaluated the issue, stressed that violence is no longer limited to physical actions, stating, "Today, a large portion of communication is conducted through digital platforms. Constantly muting, blocking, or intentionally not responding to messages from a spouse or partner creates feelings of worthlessness and exclusion in the other party. If this situation persists, it is considered psychological violence."
"DISREGARDING ONE'S PARTNER IS CONSIDERED A FAULT"
Evci expressed that the courts also take into account behaviors that harm an individual's psychological integrity, pointing to the established case law of the Court of Cassation, stating, "Disregarding one's partner, humiliating them, and deliberately cutting off communication is considered a fault. Actions carried out through digital platforms are evaluated in the same context."
According to experts, not every communication breakdown results in legal consequences. It is important that such behaviors are not one-time occurrences but are carried out systematically and intentionally. Emphasizing the critical nature of evidence in divorce cases, Evci stated, "Digital behaviors supported by screenshots, message records, and witness statements are taken very seriously by the court. Our citizens should not forget that their attitudes exhibited in the digital environment can have legal consequences."
Legal professionals indicate that in the digitalizing world, forms of communication have become areas that not only have social implications but also create legal responsibilities, urging individuals to be more careful about their digital behaviors.