CYPRUS: Nearly 60% of female victims of violence do not report it

Nearly 60% of the women who are victims of violence in Cyprus do not report the incident to anyone, the first study of its kind on violence against women in the family has shown.

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The study was undertaken on behalf of the Advisory Committee on the Prevention and Combating of Violence in the Family.

On the occasion of the international day for the elimination of violence against women (November 25), the Advisory Committee said that violence against women is one of the most widespread violations of human rights internationally.

"It is estimated that 35% of women have fallen victim to violence at some point in their lives, while in certain countries the percentage climbs to 70%," it added.

The Advisory Committee stresses that all relevant departments need to come together in one structure to support and protect women who are victims of violence.

"In order for a woman to escape the cycle of violence, beyond psychological support, she must know that the state provides the appropriate structures and services to ensure immediate physical security and protection from the perpetrator, both for herself and her children," said the Committee.

It added: "Although significant improvements have been made in tackling domestic violence, there are significant gaps in the immediate response and management of such incidents…these gaps are often linked to the lack of specialised professionals and unsatisfactory cross-sectoral cooperation.”

The committee said it submitted a comprehensive proposal on the matter to the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance in 2016.

It urged the government to proceed immediately with the adoption of a relevant bill to comply with the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence.