Nicosia: Reports and incidents of gender-based and domestic violence have increased throughout 2025 as well as the growing complexity of the cases, according to the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO). During the Association's Annual General Assembly in Nicosia, the Chairwoman of the Board of SPAVO, Maria Koushiou, presented the 2025 report, expressing concern over the escalation of violence in recent months in approximately 51% of cases handled by the Association. She highlighted the urgent need for timely intervention and effective support for victims.
According to Cyprus News Agency, data presented during the Annual General Assembly of SPAVO showed that psychological violence was present in all incidents handled by the organization, with 63% also involving physical violence, 23% economic violence, 13% spiritual violence and stalking, 8% sexual violence, and 7% electronic violence. SPAVO operates 17 services and programs, and the data for 2025 indicate an increase in both reports and incidents, alongside growing complexity in the cases it is required to manage.
During the year, 5,728 calls were recorded to the National Helpline 1440. The Association's Counseling Service addressed a total of 81 new cases in 2025, with 98.8% of these involving women and 1.2% men. The largest concentration of victims was in the age group 35-45 years (43.2%), followed by the ages 45-60 years (24.7%) and 25-35 years (23.5%).
In 2025, a total of 374 cases were recorded at the shelter for women, with 153 being new cases. While statistics are crucial for understanding the problem's extent, the impact of the work is measured by the individuals protected, children who felt safe again, families that regained perspective, and people who found the strength to continue.
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Clea Papaellina, in her speech, stated that SPAVO's programs received state support of 2 million euros for 2025, reflecting confidence in the work being done. Emphasizing the government's commitment to volunteering and NGOs in social care, she described domestic and gender-based violence as a severe social problem with a deep impact. National, European, and international data highlight the seriousness of the phenomenon, with one in five women experiencing physical violence during her adult life, one in ten experiencing sexual violence, and one in five facing violence within the family.
Violence is described as a violation of fundamental human rights, leading to serious injuries, long-term psychological and emotional consequences, and potentially costing lives. The effects extend beyond immediate victims to children who witness violence, other family members, and the broader community, harming social cohesion and societal well-being. The figures represent human lives and traumatic experiences, underscoring the need for collective action.