One in three women in Europe has suffered some form of violence, one in five has turned to a social or other organisation for support, and only one in eight reported the incident to the Police, Minister of Justice and Public Order Marios Hartsiotis said on Monday.
Amnesty survey on online abuse
Commissioner for Gender Equality Josie Christodoulou referred to a 2017 Amnesty International survey, which found that 46% of women who experienced online abuse or harassment described it as misogynistic or sexist.
Launch of anti-sexism campaign
The Minister and the Commissioner made their statements during a press conference for the launch of an island-wide campaign on preventing and combating sexism.
Government’s commitment to equality
Hartsiotis stressed that promoting equality between women and men without stereotypes and prejudice is a key pillar of government policy. He said the national coordinating body is implementing actions and awareness campaigns to this end.
The Minister also noted that victims of sexism often suffer physical and psychological harm, as well as economic and social consequences. He underlined that domestic violence legislation categorises sexism as a criminal offence.
Supporting victims and raising awareness
Through the campaign, information will be provided to stakeholders and victim-support services. Hartsiotis called on the press to actively promote the initiative.
He added that a new committee has been set up, including members of the Cyprus Police and officials from the Commissioner’s Office, to record and manage incidents of sexism and gender-based violence.
Commissioner Christodoulou said that sexism offends, humiliates, belittles victims, and creates a hostile environment where gender stereotypes and discrimination are reinforced. “No man or woman should be a victim of sexism,” she said.
Rising online violence
Christodoulou cited EU data showing that online violence and sexism have increased since 2014. A 2020 UNESCO survey on online violence against women journalists found that 73% of respondents had been abused online, 25% were victims of sexual threats, and 20% reported physical attacks linked to online threats.
She added that data collection is also under way for Cyprus.
The Commissioner said that her office is monitoring the implementation of the law against sexism and is currently handling two complaints: one concerning alleged sexist rhetoric by an individual, and another relating to sexism and incitement to violence against women. Both cases are with the Law Office.
Cyprus presidency priority for 2026
Christodoulou also announced that during Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, online violence against girls aged 13–18 has been designated a priority by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order.
George Pittas, creative director of CONTACT advertising agency, unveiled the details of the new awareness campaign during the press conference.
CNA
