41 femicide cases in Cyprus over 10 years

Violence against women remains a critical issue that demands immediate and collective action, according to the University of Limassol (UoL) and the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO). The two organizations co-hosted an event focused on addressing gender-based violence.

The event referred to alarming statistics from the 2024 report by the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS), which revealed that 36.1% of Cypriot women have experienced physical or sexual violence, 44.5% have suffered abuse by a partner, and 41 femicide cases have been recorded over the past decade.

The event, held on Thursday, March 6, in observance of International Women’s Day, saw participation from students, faculty, and administrative staff at the university.

Dr. Andri Hatziandreou, Director of the University’s Center for Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, emphasized that “the widespread violence against women in Cyprus is a national crisis that requires sustained and decisive action.”

Additionally, Professor Theodoros Panayiotou, Rector of the University of Limassol, stated that, “...violence against women is not just a women’s issue, it is a human rights issue,” stressing that, “The time for action is now.”

Under the slogan “No Excuse,” the University of Limassol reaffirmed its firm commitment to combating all forms of violence, including sexual, gender-based, and domestic violence against women and girls, both in times of peace and conflict. In line with this commitment, the university signed a binding declaration with SPAVO.