Newsroom
A social worker at a youth shelter in Nicosia was attacked Monday evening by a resident, prompting sharp criticism from PASODY and the Social Services Staff Union over the safety of staff and children in state care.
The union described the incident as a “tragic reminder” of the risks faced daily by institutional workers, who often operate in facilities that fall short of modern safety and care standards.
“Employees are tasked with managing highly demanding and sometimes dangerous situations without adequate support,” the union said, voicing solidarity with staff navigating these challenging conditions.
PASODY called on authorities to accelerate the development of modern, properly equipped care facilities staffed by trained personnel capable of addressing the complex needs of children. The union emphasized that such measures are crucial to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of both staff and residents.
“Safety, health, and protection are fundamental obligations of the State, not negotiable ideals,” PASODY said in a statement.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of youth care facilities in Cyprus, where staff have long warned of insufficient resources and heightened risk of violence.
