Three-quarters of domestic violence victims in Cyprus are women, with police recording 2,614 complaints from female victims in 2022. This alarming statistic was highlighted by Maria Lottides, the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection, during her address on Monday, which coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
- The call to action on this important day resonates not only within Cyprus but also across Europe, highlighting the need for a collective commitment to end gender-based violence and support victims.
Lottides also reported that 57 rape complaints were filed in the same year, referencing data from the European Institute for Gender Equality for 2023-2024. These figures underscore an ongoing crisis in gender-based violence that calls for urgent attention and action.
In her remarks, Lottides emphasised the need for systemic change, stating, “Data at local and European level show without doubt that eliminating gender-based violence continues to require consistent, determined and collective action.” Her office is actively engaged in examining complaints related to sexual harassment in the workplace and evaluating how state authorities respond to incidents of gender-based violence.
In a bid to raise awareness, Lottides’ office launched a campaign designed to alert victims about available support and encourage them to come forward with complaints. The initiative centres on the idea that women should be at the forefront of the fight against violence, serving as a driving force for convictions. Through this campaign, the ombudsperson aims to empower victims and foster a supportive environment for reporting such incidents.
Furthermore, Lottides highlighted the importance of education and training for various stakeholders involved in addressing gender-based violence. Her office conducts extensive training sessions aimed at equipping authorities and community members with the tools necessary to respond effectively to such issues. This proactive approach includes condemning instances of sexist speech in public discourse and actively participating in discussions within parliamentary settings.
The statistics and initiatives presented by Lottides reflect a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding domestic violence in Cyprus. As the ombudsperson noted, addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating legal, social, and educational strategies to bring about meaningful change.
The call to action on this important day resonates not only within Cyprus but also across Europe, highlighting the need for a collective commitment to end gender-based violence and support victims.
