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More than 2,000 cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation have been reported in Cyprus since 2017, with over 900 incidents recorded in just the past three years, according to figures revealed Thursday by Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis.
The announcement was made during the launch of Cyprus’s new National Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2028 to combat child sexual abuse, exploitation, and child pornography. The event, hosted at the Presidential Palace by the FONI Council, brought together government officials, parliamentarians, and key stakeholders.
Since 2017, 2,600 children have been referred to the Children’s House, a specialized facility for victims, according to FONI President Klea Papaellina. The center follows the Icelandic model, focusing on minimizing trauma through a single recorded interview and providing psychological, legal, and social support.
Justice Minister Hartsiotis said child protection remains a “legal, moral, and institutional obligation,” emphasizing ongoing reforms to legislation and enhanced supervision of convicted offenders. Proposed changes aim to strengthen oversight of released perpetrators.
The National Strategy, approved in May by the Council of Ministers, outlines hundreds of coordinated actions across six pillars: prevention (primary, secondary, tertiary), research, evaluation, and international cooperation.
Key initiatives include:
- Expansion of sex education in schools and teacher training programs.
- Updated handbooks for educators on recognizing and managing abuse.
- Strengthening of mental health services and healthcare professional training.
- Data-driven policy development and long-term monitoring.
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Marilena Evangelou emphasized a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach, noting that “more and more children are speaking out.” The government’s “Hope for Children” organization now operates the Children’s House, and efforts are underway to establish facilities in every district.
The Ministry of Labour stressed the Strategy’s role in educating children, parents, and professionals about online and offline risks. The Ministry of Health committed to training medical personnel for early detection and intervention.
Papaellina also highlighted the role of the “Nima” Center, which supports adult survivors and their families, and announced that Cyprus will host a European conference on innovative practices during its upcoming EU Presidency.
The event closed with a powerful video testimony from a police officer recounting the story of an 11-year-old survivor. The officer urged: “It is never your fault. We are here for you.”
Awareness campaigns, public seminars, and collaboration with the Children’s Parliament are scheduled in the coming months, including events on Nov. 18, marking the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
