The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO), a Cyprus-based non-governmental organisation, has been named Domestic Abuse Support NGO of the Year 2026/27 at the Southern Europe Prestige Awards, for its work preventing and tackling domestic and gender-based violence.
The award recognises the association’s 36 years of protecting and supporting victims in Cyprus, as well as its role in developing specialised services and partnerships to address the problem, SPAVO said in a statement.
According to the statement, the judging panel singled out its network of services, which includes crisis intervention, counselling and psychological support, safe shelters for women and children, and the ‘Home for Women’. Its work also includes programmes for perpetrators aimed at stopping their abusive behaviour, and the statement said particular recognition was given to its international partnerships and its education and training activities.
SPAVO said the award recognised the contribution of its staff, volunteers and partners, and dedicated it to women, children and everyone who trusts its services.
“It is not enough to encourage a victim to speak,” the association said, adding that when a victim does, they must find a system ready to listen to, protect and support them.
SPAVO’s 24-hour national helpline is 1440.
Information from Cyprus News Agency
