**Seven Girls Allege Sexual Abuse at Lapithos Riding School**
In a troubling case that has drawn significant attention, seven girls aged between 12 and 15 have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against a 64-year-old man at a horse-riding school in Lapithos, located in the northern part of Cyprus. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and witness statements as the number of complainants has reportedly increased from two to seven within a matter of days.
The allegations first emerged when a British woman reported that her two daughters, aged 15 and 12, had been sexually abused by her Turkish Cypriot partner. Following this initial report, five additional girls, all of whom are foreign nationals, have alleged similar incidents of abuse at the riding school where they attended lessons.
The suspect has been in custody since July 10, when a court ordered his detention. On Tuesday, this order was extended for an additional three days as investigators work to assess the growing number of allegations. Reports indicate that the suspect attempted to intimidate the girls into silence, allegedly telling them that “no one will believe you,” a tactic that is believed to have contributed to the delay in reporting the abuse.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focusing on collecting witness statements and examining evidence to determine if there are more victims. Turkish Cypriot media has reported that the suspect briefly crossed into government-controlled areas following the initial complaint but later returned to the north. A complaint has also been lodged with authorities in the Republic of Cyprus, although details regarding this report remain scarce.
In response to the allegations, the Association for Supporting Women’s Life (Kayad) has launched a campaign titled ‘I Believe You.’ This initiative aims to encourage women and children who have experienced sexual harassment, assault, or abuse to seek help and report their experiences. Kayad has committed to providing free legal and psychosocial support to those who reach out for assistance during the reporting process.
The organization emphasized the importance of speaking out, stating, “Speaking out takes courage. Silence protects the perpetrators. Solidarity is the strongest starting point for justice.” They have called on authorities to handle the investigation with sensitivity, ensuring the protection of the children's rights and privacy while conducting thorough investigative procedures.
Kayad also highlighted the detrimental impact of phrases like “no one will believe you,” which can deter victims from coming forward and perpetuate a culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse. The organization stresses the need for a supportive environment where victims feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of disbelief or retribution.
As the situation develops, the community remains vigilant, hoping for a thorough investigation that will bring justice to the alleged victims and ensure the safety of all children in similar environments. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing issues of sexual abuse and supporting those who come forward to share their stories.