New support initiatives for domestic violence victims were revealed during a parliamentary session on Monday, with Law Commissioner Sofia Kleopa Hadjikyriacou emphasising that access to assistance will no longer hinge on a victim’s decision to file a complaint.
Domestic violence: Commitment to Change
Speaking to the House human rights committee, Hadjikyriacou highlighted that these interventions align with the recommendations provided by the Council of Europe (CoE) group of experts (Grevio) regarding the implementation of the Istanbul Convention. This convention, ratified by Cyprus in 2017, is aimed at establishing a robust legal framework to combat gender-based violence and ensure the protection of victims.
Legislative Progress and Challenges
Akel MP Giorgos Koukoumas pointed out that although Cyprus had taken significant steps, including the passage of harmonising legislation in 2021, the state’s implementation of the convention remains inconsistent. He expressed concern that the public is not sufficiently informed about the available support and legal protections.
Another Akel MP, Irene Charalambides, raised alarms about delays in executing the convention’s provisions and urged for clarity on the specifics of Grevio’s recommendations.
Realities on the Ground
Independent MP Alexandra Attalides stressed the importance of effective implementation, questioning the efficacy of laws that exist only on paper. She noted a “lukewarm response” from institutions responsible for victim protection, highlighting an urgent need for action.
Proposed Legislative Amendments
In response to these concerns, Hadjikyriacou detailed proposed amendments aimed at enhancing the legal framework against gender-based and domestic violence. These include:
- Ongoing training for law enforcement officers
- Improved risk assessment procedures
- Accelerated processing of court applications for restraint orders
- Inclusion of children in protection orders
- Immediate protective measures with reduced evidence requirements
- Ensured access to support services regardless of whether a complaint is filed
The justice ministry’s Aristos Tsiartas confirmed that all recommendations from Grevio have been forwarded to the Law Commissioner for consideration. He assured that a bill addressing these recommendations would reach parliament by the end of the year. Additionally, Cyprus is mandated to enact new legislation by June 2027 in line with an EU directive to prevent violence against women, which also encompasses online abuse.
Addressing Systemic Issues
A representative from the Law Office indicated that officers have been tasked with reviewing court cases and Grevio’s recommendations. This initiative aims to create a protocol for handling cases within the legal service, focusing on preventing the re-victimisation of individuals seeking help.
Representatives from various organisations highlighted persistent shortcomings in support systems and delays in court rulings, which have, in some instances, led victims to withdraw their complaints. Statistics from 2025 reveal that 69 per cent of complaints involved families with young children, with 6 per cent of victims retracting their complaints due to factors such as slow prosecutions and lack of access to clinical psychologists in support services.
The Role of Law Enforcement
A police representative noted that special teams dedicated to addressing domestic violence were established in 2021. Importantly, these teams are empowered to initiate investigations ex officio, even in cases where no formal complaint has been lodged.
