**Reports of Domestic, Gender-Based Violence on the Rise in Cyprus**
Cases of domestic and gender-based violence have seen a significant increase in 2025, according to the latest annual report from the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (Spavo). The report was presented on Monday by Spavo board president Maria Chaviara Kousiou, who expressed alarm over the growing complexity and severity of incidents reported to the organization.
Kousiou highlighted that approximately 51 percent of the cases handled by Spavo in recent months have shown an escalation in violence. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for timely interventions and effective support systems for victims of domestic abuse.
The report detailed various forms of abuse encountered by victims. Psychological abuse was noted in all cases, while physical violence was present in 63 percent of the incidents. Economic abuse affected 23 percent of victims, spiritual abuse and stalking were reported in 13 percent of cases, sexual violence in eight percent, and online abuse in seven percent. Spavo emphasized that these different forms of abuse often coexist, with psychological violence being a common thread in many cases.
In 2025, Spavo's counselling service addressed 81 new cases, with women representing a staggering 98.8 percent of victims, while men accounted for only 1.2 percent. The demographic analysis revealed that the majority of victims were aged between 35 and 45 years old, making up 43.2 percent of cases. Victims aged 45 to 60 years accounted for 24.7 percent, and those aged 25 to 35 represented 23.5 percent.
The Women’s House, another initiative under Spavo, recorded a total of 374 cases during the year, which included 153 new cases. The organization operates 17 services and programs aimed at supporting victims, and the national helpline 1440 received 5,728 calls in 2025, indicating a growing awareness and need for assistance.
Kousiou remarked on the impact of Spavo's work, stating, “Our work is not measured only by statistics. It is measured in the women who were protected, the children who felt safe again, the families that regained hope and the people who found the strength to move forward.” This sentiment reflects the organization's commitment to not only addressing the immediate needs of victims but also fostering long-term recovery and empowerment.
Deputy Minister for Social Welfare Marilena Evangelou Papapetrou, representing President Nikos Christodoulides, acknowledged the critical nature of the issue. She noted that Spavo’s programs received €2 million in state support in 2025, which she described as a “practical expression of confidence in the work being carried out.” Papapetrou emphasized that domestic and gender-based violence is one of the most serious social problems of our time, with profound implications for society as a whole.
Citing research findings, Papapetrou revealed that one in five women experiences physical violence at least once during adulthood, one in ten faces sexual violence, and one in five is subjected to violence within the family. She stressed that these statistics represent real human lives and traumatic experiences that necessitate a collective response.
Spavo's scientific director, Andria Andronikou, highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating domestic violence. “When cooperation works, victims, families, and society as a whole benefit. When there are gaps, delays, or a lack of continuity, the only real losers are the victims who need us,” she stated, calling for a more coordinated approach to support those affected by violence.
The rising numbers of domestic and gender-based violence cases in Cyprus serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by victims and the critical need for comprehensive support systems. As the community grapples with these issues, the efforts of organizations like Spavo and the commitment of government officials will be vital in addressing the root causes of violence and providing necessary resources for those in need.