The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women has gained special significance nowadays, since we live in a time when due to the pandemic of coronavirus, but also the war in Ukraine, this phenomenon is unfortunately on the rise.
At the national level, after the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in 2017, which is a milestone in the efforts to eliminate gender-based violence internationally, substantial breakthroughs were made at the institutional and legislative level.
A fact that is also recorded in the first assessment of Cyprus by the Council of Europe's GREVIO Expert Group. In particular, the report underlines "the many positive legal and political measures that have been taken, which demonstrate the firm determination of the state to prevent and combat domestic violence, violence against women and to ensure gender equality".
By way of example, the establishment and operation of the "Women's House" and the drafting and passing of important legislation to combat stalking, sexism and violence against women.
The legislative framework has also been strengthened by a number of important institutional changes, such as the establishment of the National Coordinating Body for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women in March 2022. The Body has already developed the first National Strategy and the first National Action Plan for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women, which are being consulted with civil society for their finalization.
At the same time, the creation of a Unified Archive of Violence Statistics on a nationwide basis is being promoted in order to collect valid and comparable statistical data in order to plan targeted actions.
In the Police, special teams have been set up to deal exclusively with cases of domestic violence in all provinces, while the protocols for cases of sexual violence and rape have been revised.
However, efforts do not stop here. Actions have already been initiated and the study of the recommendations proposed by the Committee has begun so that we can take further measures and decisions to continue on the positive path of achieving the Convention.
No form of gender-based violence should have a place and be tolerated in the modern world.
I therefore express my full support and respect to all women and girls who have suffered or are experiencing any form of violence and assure them that the protection and safeguarding of their human rights and dignity is a top priority for the Government of Cyprus and for me personally.
Finally, by supporting the global campaign "Orange the World: Fund, Response, Prevent, Collect" we illuminate the Ministry in orange and send a clear message that: No woman is alone!
(OP/EXP)
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