More than 18,000 domestic violence cases over five years, thousands of arrests, hundreds of protection orders and femicide cases that remain under investigation. The figures presented before the House Human Rights Committee leave little room for complacency.
That is especially true given that, as Andri Andronikou of the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO) reminded lawmakers, two years after the launch of the National Strategy 2024-2026, very little has been achieved in practice compared with what remains necessary.
According to figures cited by Chief of Police Themistos Arnaoutis, Cyprus recorded 18,409 domestic violence cases between 2021 and 2026. During the same period, authorities made 3,674 arrests and issued 2,858 offender exclusion orders.
Regarding femicides, Arnaoutis said five cases were recorded in 2020, resulting in three convictions. Another five cases were recorded in 2021, leading to four convictions. In 2022, two cases were recorded and both resulted in convictions.
In 2023, one case was recorded, with the suspect still wanted by authorities. One case recorded in 2024 remains under investigation, while three cases recorded in 2025 are also still being investigated.
The figures are further reinforced by approximately 3,000 domestic violence reports filed each year. According to police data, criminal case files are opened in around 45% of cases.
Gaps in implementation
The statistics echoed concerns raised by organisations and stakeholders, all pointing to the same fundamental problem.
Cyprus has laws, strategies and institutional structures in place, but continues to struggle with implementation, coordination and, above all, prevention.
A representative of the Cyprus Bar Association recalled that following the double murder in Ergates in 2021, authorities discussed the creation of a unified database to improve communication between services.
Five years later, she said, little meaningful progress has been made.
Women's organisations once again raised concerns over victims’ access to safety and justice, the adequacy of resources, delays in court proceedings and the need for scientific risk-assessment tools.
SPAVO also highlighted delays in the administration of justice, noting that some cases can take three to four years before reaching trial.
New commitments
In response, the relevant authorities presented a series of new commitments.
Justice Minister Costas Phytiris acknowledged that Cyprus’ legislative framework is at a satisfactory level, but said the key challenge remains its implementation.
He announced planned amendments based on recommendations by GREVIO, the Council of Europe’s expert body monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, with particular emphasis on faster institutional responses and the prioritisation of such cases.
A representative of the Ministry of Justice said work is progressing on the creation of a central database, which is expected to be completed by June 2027.
The ministry is also preparing legislation to incorporate the new European directive on violence against women, including provisions dealing with digital violence.
The Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare emphasised the importance of linking services more effectively and using tools capable of raising early “red flags” in high-risk cases.
Firearms issue returns to the agenda
The issue of firearm possession also returned to the discussion.
Arnaoutis said psychometric assessments for police officers are currently conducted only when they join the force and not on a periodic basis to maintain eligibility for carrying service weapons.
Responding to questions, he acknowledged that regular assessments should be carried out.
The Justice Minister said the government intends to introduce mandatory checks every three years. Implementing such a measure would require amendments to the relevant legislation, which, according to Phytiris, “will be sent to Parliament soon.”
Focus shifts to implementation
The committee agreed to reconvene with the relevant authorities at the end of August or the beginning of September.
This time, however, lawmakers said the focus will not be on further general assurances, but on concrete answers about what will change, who will be responsible and when those changes will be implemented.
