Newsroom / CNA
The “ELPIS” application, designed specifically for victims of domestic violence at high risk, will become operational in the coming days. This app allows victims to contact the Police immediately and discreetly without alerting the perpetrator, offering safety and protection 24/7. Minister of Justice and Public Order, Marios Hartsiotis, described the app's launch as a significant development and noted it will be fully functional within the first half of the new year.
Speaking at the Police seminar titled “Human Rights: Dignity, Justice, and Equality” on International Human Rights Day, Hartsiotis emphasized the Government’s commitment to citizen safety while upholding constitutionally protected freedoms. He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen Police operational capacity, resulting in tangible improvements in preventing and combating crime.
The Minister underscored the Government’s priority to combat violence against women, citing major legislation enacted in recent years criminalizing gender-based violence, femicide, sexism (including online), harassment, and stalking. The modernization of the Penal Code has aligned the definition of rape with European and international human rights conventions. Additionally, the Women’s House was established, a multidisciplinary center offering integrated support services for victims of gender-based violence and their children.
To further these efforts, specialized Police units continue to work intensively on domestic violence cases. Hartsiotis also highlighted the National Coordinating Body’s ongoing initiatives for prevention and awareness, aligned with the National Action Plan for 2023-2028. So far, 60 healthcare professionals have been trained, with an additional 80 educators set to receive training. He praised the new law providing free legal aid to victims of gender-based and domestic violence as a major step forward.
In collaboration with Greece’s Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, Hartsiotis signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to exchange expertise and develop joint actions for combating gender-based violence.
The Minister also addressed reforms aimed at creating a child-friendly justice system, prioritizing out-of-court alternatives for juvenile offenders. Under this framework, each child receives tailored support from a multidisciplinary team to promote social reintegration and prevent reoffending. Prosecution and detention are considered last-resort measures, with juvenile cases handled by specialized courts. Should detention be necessary, children will be housed in a rehabilitative, non-prison facility scheduled to open by January 1, 2026.
Efforts to meet this timeline include drafting comprehensive regulations in collaboration with the University of Cyprus Law Department. Discussions are already underway in Parliament, and once approved, the Government will proceed with a public tender for facility operations.
Additionally, the Council of Ministers approved the adaptation of the Mennogeia Migrant Detention Facility for juvenile detention after completing a new Pre-Departure Center in Limnes. Renovations will ensure the space meets required standards, with operations expected to begin by January 2026.
The role of juvenile liaison officers was also highlighted, ensuring children in conflict with the law receive proper legal protections throughout out-of-court processes. Since its implementation, officers have handled approximately 360 cases nationwide.
Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis reiterated that human rights are neither privileges nor optional but are a fundamental obligation in a rule-of-law state. He emphasized the Police’s responsibility to prevent crime, ensure security, and uphold human rights through specialized units, training initiatives, facility improvements, and collaboration with civil society.
Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection, Maria Stylianou-Lottides, commended the Police as daily defenders of human rights, balancing the needs of victims and offenders while employing appropriate measures to protect legal interests. She stressed the importance of fostering trust between the public and the Police, grounded in the protection of human dignity and the elimination of discrimination.
The seminar concluded with a collective commitment to safeguarding human rights as the cornerstone of a just and equitable society.
