This chapter offers a critical analysis of the Istanbul Convention (Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence) through the lens of competing gender discourses. It proceeds from the premise that the family, as a cornerstone institution of the social order, is profoundly affected by contemporary issues such as rising divorce rates and public debates on domestic violence. The study interrogates the theoretical foundations of the concepts of "gender" and "gender equality," examining their specific interpretations within the Turkish context and their interaction with local cultural and value systems. Within this discursive framework, the relevant articles of the convention are scrutinized. The analysis highlights the potential social and familial repercussions of overlooking the biological and psychosocial differences between women and men. It further emphasizes the necessity of an approach to preventing violence that is firmly grounded in "human dignity" and applied without discrimination. The findings indicate that provisions within the convention pertaining to gender and sexual orientation carry divergent connotations across different societies, thereby generating significant social and political conflict. In conclusion, the study contends that legal measures against violence must be underpinned by cultural legitimacy and broad social consensus. It advocates for a holistic approach that acknowledges inherent human differences and focuses on a balance of rights and responsibilities, arguing that such a framework is crucial for the protection of victims and the strengthening of the family institution.