Femicides have become a pressing issue in Cyprus, with police data revealing that 16 femicides were recorded between 2020 and 2025. The recent statistics have intensified worries over gender-based violence in the country, particularly as three attempted femicides have already been documented in 2026.
Femicides: Victim Statistics Over Five Years
According to the police, the period from 2020 to 2025 saw 16 femicides, resulting in 17 victims, since one case involved two individuals. The distribution of victims over the years was uneven, with five victims each in 2020 and 2021, two in 2022, one in 2023, one in 2024, and three in 2025. When analysed by case, the breakdown included five cases in 2020, four in 2021, two in 2022, one in 2023, one in 2024, and three in 2025. Geographically, Nicosia recorded six femicides, Limassol five, Paphos four, and Larnaca one.
Recent Attempts Heighten Alarm
In 2026, the situation appears to be worsening, with three attempted femicides already reported. One significant case involved a police officer in Limassol, who allegedly shot his wife outside a school before taking his own life. Another incident in Nicosia involved two women, aged 38 and 58, as victims of an attempted murder.
The Shelter Crisis
The ongoing violence has led to a pressing demand for safe havens. In 2025, a total of 300 women and 347 children found refuge in shelters for victims of violence across Cyprus. Aristos Tsiartas, Chair of the National Coordinating Body for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women, reported that these figures reflect the efforts of the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO), which operates these shelters with state funding.
National Efforts to Combat Violence
Established in 2022, the National Coordinating Body works under the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence Law of 2021. Its focus is to design and implement initiatives aimed at reducing gender-based violence nationwide. Tsiartas noted that the Body has trained around 200 frontline professionals in various sectors, including health and social services, and plans to extend training to approximately 100 police officers soon.
Innovative Tools for Victims
One of the innovative measures introduced is the ELPIS app, which provides victims with immediate and discreet communication with police authorities during emergencies. Additionally, a Unified Database for tracking gender-based and domestic violence is in development, expected to be operational by 2027. This database will enhance the recording of violence incidents and help inform targeted prevention strategies.
Legal Aid Reforms Support Victims
Since 2024, reforms have been enacted to provide financial support and legal aid specifically for victims of gender-based violence. This legislative amendment recognises these victims as a distinct group eligible for free legal representation in various proceedings, including compensation claims and protection orders. Tsiartas highlighted that this reform aims to eliminate barriers that previously hindered victims from seeking justice.
Call for Continued Awareness and Support
The National Coordinating Body also promotes the pan-European support helpline 116016 for victims of gender-based violence, alongside providing funding for NGOs and supporting SPAVO’s 24-hour helpline. Tsiartas emphasised the importance of legislative initiatives to align Cypriot laws with international standards, such as the Istanbul Convention, to combat violence against women effectively.
