Cyprus has recorded over 3000 cases of domestic violence per year. This shockingly large number causes a great amount of concern. The Scientific Director of the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO), Andri Andronikou reported these numbers, pointing out that in 2025 110 calls for domestic violence were recorded via the helpline, as well as 20 additional requests via SMS, livechat, and email.
Additionally, it was noted that the counseling service supports 7 female victims each month. Maria Kyratzii, Director of Social Welfare Services also mentioned these figures.
Gender-based violence, as it turns out, is a major problem in Cyprus. All bodies involved with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Committee confirmed this, and met a few days ago to discuss the attempted femicide that took place a week ago in Limassol.
The Chief of Police also stated that from 2021 to 2026, 18,409 cases of domestic violence were reported, whereas only 3674 arrests, 2858 restraining orders and 373 court orders took place, which is additionally concerning.
The evidence placed before the parliamentary committee highlight a serious social problem. Despite the issue being timeless, recently, these cases are being discussed more publicly. This is due to complaints made, but also due to the new mechanisms in the state and services that aim to deal with issues of domestic violence. The mechanisms still have issues of their own, but they do exist, and victims still use them.
Services and support certainly need to be consistently upgraded. That is the responsibility of the state. The mechanisms should act as a deterrent, so we do not have to mourn any more victims. And for the victims to be protected. What was mentioned in the parliamentary committee must be discussed and is severely important. Cyprus is the only country in the European Union where the Court asks Social Welfare Services to find housing for the perpetrator before issuing a removal order!
THIS, as has been made quite clear, is a disgrace. The fact that the state assumes the obligation to provide housing for the perpetrator, will not make victims feel safe coming forward. If there is no housing available, the victim and the perpetrator my have to remain under the same roof! This must be resolved as soon as possible.
