Nicosia: Justice Ministry intensifies efforts to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence, recognizing that behind every statistic and behind every number there is a woman or a girl, who needs immediate help, protection, and empowerment.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Ministry issued a press release on the occasion of November 25, which is observed as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, pointing out that it joins its voice with the international community.
This year’s campaign by UN Women focuses on digital violence, which constitutes one of the fastest emerging forms of gender-based violence, threatening the health, safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls around the world.
As the Ministry says, according to recent UN statistics, digital violence is increasing rapidly due to the extensive use of artificial intelligence, anonymity, the absence of effective accountability mechanisms, as well as the lack of an adequate legislative framework, leaving approximately 1.8 billion women exposed internationally.
Cyprus, in view of its EU Presidency which begins January 1st, will promote important initiatives and actions at national and European level. These include the preparation of a pan-European survey, in collaboration with the European Institute for Gender Equality, the preparation of EU Council Conclusions to strengthen the protection of girls in the digital space, and the organization of high-level meetings and events, with the aim of contributing to efforts for a coordinated and effective response to the issue of domestic violence.
It is also noted that the Ministry systematically promotes training for frontline professionals involved in handling gender-based violence cases, undertakes civil society awareness campaigns, research initiatives, as well as legislative and other institutional changes.
It is recalled that the ‘ELPIS’ application was recently launched by the Police, which is an innovative digital application, through which women who are at increased risk of violence can request immediate assistance and protection from the Police through the use of their mobile phone.