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Cyprus plans to introduce a new information-sharing platform between state services handling domestic violence cases by the end of 2026, in an effort to improve coordination and help authorities identify households at risk.
Christos Christofides, chairman of the House Human Rights Committee, announced the timeline following a committee meeting on gender-based violence and procedures for supporting victims, attended by Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris.
Christofides said communication failures between public services remained a significant obstacle to preventing abuse. Under the proposed system, information gathered by social workers could be shared with relevant authorities, including the police and schools, allowing preventive action to be considered when signs of violence emerge.
The platform is intended to help officials identify households where there are indications of abuse or an elevated risk of violence. Christofides clarified that it would not be an emergency alert button, but a coordination mechanism designed to improve the state's response through the exchange of information and data.
Enforcement remains a key challenge
During the committee discussion, participants broadly agreed that Cyprus already had adequate legislation to address domestic violence, but that implementation remained a major weakness.
Christofides referred to judgments against Cyprus by the European Court of Human Rights, an issue also brought to the committee's attention by the Pancyprian Bar Association. A package of proposed legislative changes is being prepared to address gaps in the existing framework.
The committee has also requested internal circulars from the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Justice to clarify how restraining orders are monitored after they are issued, including the measures taken to prevent perpetrators from approaching victims.
The committee intends to continue reviewing the implementation of existing procedures and to discuss Cyprus's progress with GREVIO, the Council of Europe's expert body responsible for monitoring compliance with the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
Christofides said the aim was to ensure that the country met its obligations under the convention and improved protection for victims.
House of the Woman set for restructuring
The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare has announced that a plan to reorganise the House of the Woman is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Authorities will also examine whether the service can be extended to all districts of Cyprus.
The facility provides support to women affected by violence, and its future organisation is part of the government's response to shortcomings in victim protection.
The Justice Minister has also announced plans for psychometric testing every three years for firearm holders. Christofides said the measure had been among the committee's demands, particularly following an attempted femicide last summer.
MPs call for psychological and housing support
DISY MP Dimos Georgiades said victims should not have to coordinate the state services responsible for helping them.
He called for improved access to legal assistance and specialist psychological care, arguing that mental health support should form an essential part of the recovery process.
Georgiades also pointed to a shortage of accommodation for victims leaving emergency support services. Limited shelter capacity can leave people without secure housing after their initial assistance, potentially exposing them to further domestic abuse.
He said additional support was needed to help victims move towards recovery and rebuild their lives safely.
Police record 1,334 criminal cases in eight months
Figures supplied by the police to the committee show that 1,334 criminal cases were recorded during the first eight months of 2026, with 796 referred to court.
The statistics cover the period from 2022 to 2026 and were drawn from the police computerised system's dedicated reporting mechanism for crimes against women.
Police staffing figures for district units investigating domestic violence cases showed 16 officers assigned to Nicosia, with one additional officer at the House of the Woman. Limassol and Larnaca each had 13 officers, while Famagusta had 11, Paphos eight and Morphou four.
The police also reported 15 complaints against members of the force between 2024 and 13 August 2026. Nine were filed in 2024, three in 2025 and three during the first part of 2026.
The figures were presented as lawmakers continued examining how effectively existing protocols are being applied and what further changes are needed to improve protection for victims of domestic violence.
