Nicosia hosts high-level conference on preventing online violence against girls

A two-day high-level conference titled 'Prevention and Combating of Gender-Based Online Violence against Girls' was held in Nicosia on May 18 and 19. Organized as part of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the event brought together officials from the EU, UN, EIGE, and GREVIO, alongside academics and experts. Key speakers included Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou, EIGE Director Carlien Scheele, and Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Klea Papaellinas. Participants addressed the multidimensional nature of online abuse, including harassment, non-consensual image sharing, and hate speech. Officials emphasized the link between digital and physical violence, calling for a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to regulation and prevention. Commissioner Christodoulou highlighted the national strategy for gender equality, while Minister of Justice Costas Fitiris urged for stronger political will to advance existing international and European legislative tools. The conference also showcased the 'Child's House' model as a best practice for providing comprehensive support to vulnerable children.