Rising domestic violence cases strain Women’s House resources
MPs were told that increased domestic and gender violence cases are placing financial, staffing and infrastructure pressure on the Women’s House.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Rising domestic and gender violence cases are placing increased pressure on the Women’s House, a shelter for female victims and their underage children, MPs heard during a visit on Wednesday.
The structure faces serious operational and organisational difficulties because of limited funding, according to Andri Andronikou, scientific director of the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (Spavo).
Growing demand
Andronikou told members of the House human rights committee that the Women’s House responded to 5,728 requests for help in 2026, including 1,317 cases of domestic violence.
The volume of cases is depleting the budget and increasing pressure on human resources, available space and infrastructure, she said.
She also cited delays in appointing permanent specialised and support staff.
Judicial and housing concerns
Judicial delays in concluding criminal cases are adding pressure on the structure, Andronikou said.
She said a housing policy was needed for victims of violence, alongside improved access to the labour market, to enable them to achieve financial and social independence.
Expansion plans
MPs discussed expanding structures in Larnaca and Famagusta and proposed reassessing procedures for taking statements from victims of violence.
Andronikou said efforts were under way to expand reception centres for victims in Larnaca. A new centre is due to open in February 2027, offering additional protection and support to victims of violence.
In June, Spavo board president Maria Chaviara Kousiou expressed concern about the escalation of violence in many cases handled by the association.
This news item was generated automatically by Cyprus Inform from publicly available materials. Report an error →