During its October 6 review by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Kazakhstan pledged new legislation to make domestic violence a standalone crime – a timely commitment. Now the government should turn words into action.

On September 23, Zhazira Adauova , a mother of two, died after her ex-husband stabbed her 16 times in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital. Zhazira’s family told the media she had repeatedly reported threats and violence to police. Four former police officers are under investigation for alleged negligence in handling her case.

Elvira Erkebayeva , from western Kazakhstan, endured two decades of domestic violence, including having boiling water thrown in her face.…