Recent violence against women has reignited discussions on femicide and gun control in Cyprus, bringing to light the societal perceptions surrounding gender-based violence.
Photo: en.philenews.com
A shocking incident last Tuesday, involving a police officer who shot his wife four times, has drawn widespread attention. Witnesses reported the officer telling bystanders, “Leave, she is my wife,” just before the tragic event unfolded. This occurrence has raised serious concerns about how intimate partners are viewed by some as personal property.
Photo: en.philenews.com
The events have also prompted a serious examination of gun ownership laws and mental health evaluations for those permitted to carry firearms in the country, whether for professional duties, military obligations, or hunting.
Recent Cases of Attempted Femicide
2026 has already seen two attempted femicides in Cyprus. The first incident occurred on 27 June in Nicosia, where a 35-year-old Syrian national allegedly attacked his former wife and mother-in-law with a knife. Only days later, a police officer shot his 46-year-old wife outside a school in Zakaki before taking his own life. These cases have significantly impacted public sentiment and highlighted the urgent need for reform.
Understanding the Scope of Femicide
According to the Cyprus Police, between 2020 and 2025, 16 femicides were recorded, resulting in 17 victims, with one case involving two fatalities. The breakdown of these cases reveals:
- 2020: 5 victims across 5 cases
- 2021: 5 victims across 4 cases
- 2022: 2 victims across 2 cases
- 2023: 1 victim across 1 case
- 2024: 1 victim across 1 case
- 2025: 3 victims across 3 cases
In 2025 alone, shelters for victims of domestic violence provided refuge for 647 individuals, including 300 women and 347 dependent children, underscoring the pressing need for support systems.
Legislative Changes and Definitions
Femicide is defined by the European Institute for Gender Equality as the killing of women and girls because of their gender. Notably, in 2022, Cyprus integrated femicide into its legal framework, imposing a mandatory life sentence for those convicted. This legislative change positions Cyprus among the few European nations to align its laws with the Istanbul Convention, addressing the gendered nature of such crimes.
Concerns Over Gun Ownership
The recent shooting has reignited fears surrounding gun ownership in Cyprus, where a 2018 study cited the country as having one of the highest rates of private firearm ownership globally—34.7 firearms per 100 residents. The Cyprus Police currently issue firearm licences without mandatory psychometric testing, raising questions about the mental health of those carrying weapons.
Police officers are required to pass a psychometric evaluation only during initial recruitment, with no ongoing assessments during their careers. This lack of continued evaluation has been a point of contention, especially following the tragic events.
Calls for Systemic Reform
Experts and advocacy groups are calling for comprehensive changes in how Cyprus handles cases of domestic violence and gun control. Dr Andri Andronikou of the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO) emphasised the importance of implementing a National Protocol and Risk Assessment Tool across relevant state departments to better address these issues.
Furthermore, there are recommendations for creating an independent authority to oversee protection orders and ensuring immediate prosecution for violations. Expansion of support networks such as the Woman’s House and regional shelters is also crucial to provide adequate assistance to victims.
Legal Insights and Future Directions
Legal experts note that the introduction of femicide as a distinct offence allows for the proper categorisation of such crimes, enabling accurate statistical tracking and helping to dismantle outdated narratives that often downplay the severity of violence against women. The legal framework now requires demonstrating gender discrimination as part of the prosecution for femicide, aiming to draw attention to the underlying societal issues.
As Cyprus grapples with these pressing issues, the hope remains that the recent tragedies will catalyse meaningful change in policies and societal attitudes towards femicide and gender-based violence.
