Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu drew criticism after remarks legitimizing domestic violence during times of financial difficulty. He made the remarks at a women's gathering in Istanbul's Beylikdüzü district Thursday. Family and social policies minister was quick to condemn his remarks, which drew heavy criticism on social media.

"If a man is unemployed and can't bring enough money home, he will obviously come home to take his anger out on his wife" Kılıçdaroğlu told the audience consisting of women.

He argued that there is a direct link between someone's financial situation and violence against women.

"There is only one address if you want to resolve the issue of violence against women and that is the CHP," Kılıçdaroğlu said, adding that the only way people will have peace at home is through prosperity.

Family and Social Policies Minister Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya criticized Kılıçdaroğlu's remarks, saying that she condemns him for legitimizing violence against women.

"His words have not only hurt our women, but our society as a whole," Kaya said on her official Twitter account.

Domestic violence and the murder of women by their husbands, partners and relatives have long been a thorn in Turkeytarget="_blank"'>