A new study presented at the House of Representatives has exposed the scale of violence experienced by women MPs across Europe. The findings show a troubling pattern of harassment, threats and sexism, with younger politicians and those active in gender-equality issues facing the highest risk.
A comparative study titled From Institutional Silence to Institutional Responsibility – A Comparative Study of Parliaments on Sexual Harassment, conducted by the Committee for Gender Equality in Employment and Vocational Education, reveals that violence in its various forms is widespread across European parliaments.
The study was presented on Wednesday at the House of Representatives by Eleni Kouzoupi, Chair of the Committee and Senior Attorney of the Republic. The data show exceptionally high levels of abuse faced by women MPs across Europe.
Key findings among women MPs who participated:
- 85.2 percent experienced psychological violence during their term.
- 46.9 percent received threats of death, rape or physical assault.
- 58.2 percent were targeted by sexist attacks online and on social media.
- 67.9 percent were subjected to comments about their appearance.
- 24.7 percent experienced sexual violence.
- 14.8 percent experienced physical violence.
The study also notes that women under 40 faced psychological and sexual harassment more frequently, while women MPs active in promoting gender equality and combating violence against women were often singled out for attacks.
Regarding prevention and response mechanisms in EU Member State parliaments, the study found significant differences between countries. For the Cyprus Parliament, it highlights the implementation of a Code of Principles and Rules of Conduct requiring MPs to avoid any behaviour of a sexist or offensive nature.
According to the Code, complaints about unethical conduct can be investigated by the Parliamentary Ethics Committee, based on reports from citizens or MPs.
On the matter of parliamentary immunity, the study notes that in Cyprus the lifting of immunity in cases involving allegations of sexual harassment requires a decision by the Supreme Court.
House President Annita Demetriou was scheduled to attend the presentation but was absent due to an urgent commitment. Her address was read by the Acting Director General of Parliament, Andreas Christodoulou.
In her address, the House President stressed that a culture of silence prevails in many workplaces, creating an environment where sexual harassment thrives and causing organisational harm that goes beyond the victim–perpetrator dynamic. She emphasised the need for education, prevention, effective responses to abusive behaviour and strict sanctions.
She added that parliaments, as democratic institutions, carry the political responsibility to adopt and enforce international recommendations on prevention and response policies addressing all forms of violence. She outlined the steps the Cyprus Parliament has taken, including the February 2021 approval of the Code of Principles and Rules of Conduct for MPs.
According to the Code, MPs must carry out their duties with respect towards colleagues and staff, and refrain from behaviour that incites violence or hatred, or that is threatening, abusive, sexist, racist or derogatory.
The House President explained that the Code also provides for the creation of a seven-member Ethics Committee, elected at the start of each parliamentary term, which is responsible for investigating complaints or initiating investigations of its own, and for determining sanctions.
Possible sanctions include:
- Oral reprimand
- Written reprimand
- Censure for unethical or inappropriate behaviour
- Requirement for public apology from the House podium
- Requirement for written apology and restoration towards the offended party
She also noted additional steps taken, such as appointing an Equality Officer in 2021 and recently establishing an Equality Committee, in line with the Code of Practice for Preventing and Addressing Harassment and Sexual Harassment in the Public Service.
This Equality Committee is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the Code of Practice, informing the House President, delivering staff training, proposing improvements and evaluating the effectiveness of these measures.
Concluding, the House President stated that reviewing and modernising the Parliament’s Rules and the Code of Conduct remains a priority.
MPs Savvia Orphanidou (DISY) and Alexandra Attalidou (Volt) were present. Attalidou stressed the importance of robust victim-protection measures, noting that women who report violence often face pressure, isolation, loss of promotion opportunities or even forced resignation in the private sector. “They prefer silence over public shaming,” she said.
Orphanidou thanked the Gender Equality Committee and the House President for supporting the initiative, highlighting the importance of raising awareness among all MPs.
In a brief intervention, the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights, Maria Stylianou Lottides, noted that several complaints submitted to her office resulted in corrective and restorative measures. She stressed the importance of multi-layered support for victims by officials and society.