Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
Minister of Labor Zeta Emilianidou, today, congratulated the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family, saying that their work contributed significantly to the prevention and fight against domestic violence.
In her speech, which was read by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Andreas Zachariades, Emilianides referred to the opening of the center called Woman's House back in December of 2020, which was an important milestone in the fight against domestic abuse.
The prevention of violence against women constitutes a standing policy priority for the government which has implemented significant actions and policies to tackle this complex problem.
The prevention of violence against women constitutes a standing policy priority for the government which has implemented significant actions and policies to tackle this complex problem, Minister of Labor Zeta Emilianidou said.
Cyprus' Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Anastasia Anthousi, also address the AGM, stating that domestic violence cases rose by around 30% in Cyprus during the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the need to implement effective policies.
"Domestic violence is a social problem which in a modern society takes multi-faceted dimensions," she said, adding that combating domestic violence needs a holistic approach, as violence in the family includes various forms of violence such as psychological, physical and verbal abuse.
She continued, "By strengthening synergies with voluntary organizations and implementing government programs, our aim is primarily to protect victims of domestic violence, but also to educate society so as to develop healthy conditions which will prevent the increase of this complex problem".
The need to address this long-standing problem "is more imperative than ever," the Deputy Minister added. Emphasising that amid the socioeconomic conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic the cases of domestic violence are increasing especially against women and children.
The Woman's House center is accessible to all women and their underage children as well as girls under the age of 18, including immigrant women and refugees irrespective of their status.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse and in need of help contact the 1440 helpline.
