Nicosia: An EU wide survey has shown that 36.1% of women in Cyprus have experienced violence or the threat of violence or sexual violence during their life, Commissioner for the Administration and the Protection of Human Rights Maria Stylianou Lottides said on Monday on the occasion of the International Day for the elimination of violence against women, noting that the survey indicates that gender violence continues to have high rates in Cyprus as well.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Justice and Public Order Minister Marios Hartsiotis announced in a written statement that application “Elpis” (Hope) which has been designed specifically for high risk victims of domestic violence who may need to immediately contact the police without the perpetrator finding out, will be in place in the coming days on a pilot basis.
Lottides also referred to the new EU Directive to combat violence against women which should be transposed into national legislation by June 14, 2027, noting that in her capacity as National Human
Rights Authority she will be “closely monitoring and evaluating the Cypriot state’s actions in order for it to substantively comply in practice with the obligations derived from the Directive.”
The survey published on Monday, she said, was carried out by Eurostat, FRA and the EU Agency for Gender Equality in all EU countries and showed that “gender violence continues to have high rates in the Republic of Cyprus as well” despite the legal framework in place.
In particular, Lottides said that for Cyprus, the survey with participants women from 18 to 74 years of age, showed that 36.1% of women experienced violence or the threat of it or sexual violence by someone during their live so far, 30% of participants suffered sexual violence by their partner, while 14.6% of them suffered violence and sexual violence or a threat of it by a third person from the age of 15.
She further noted that 39.9% of participants said that they suffered sexual harassment at their place of work.
In his statement, Hartsiotis said tha
t the “Elpis” application is expected to be in full operation within the first six months of 2025, protecting domestic violence victims on a 24 hour basis.
He further expressed his full and unreserved support to all women and girls who have suffered or are experiencing any type of violence, assuring them that protecting and safeguarding their human rights and dignity constitutes a top priority for the Cypriot government and himself personally.