SPAVO reports rise in domestic violence cases in Cyprus for 2025

The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO) reported an increase in the complexity and number of domestic and gender-based violence cases in Cyprus during 2025 at its Annual General Meeting. Chairperson Maria Chaviara Kousiou noted that 51% of managed cases involved an escalation of violence shortly before intervention. Psychological violence was reported in 100% of cases, while other forms included physical (63%), financial (23%), intellectual and stalking (13%), sexual (8%), and electronic (7%) abuse. The organization's counseling service handled 81 new cases, with 98.8% of victims being women and the largest age demographic being 35–45 years old (43.2%). Additionally, the 'Home for Women' shelter recorded 374 cases, and the 1440 helpline received 5,728 calls throughout the year. The Cypriot government allocated €2 million to support SPAVO’s programs in 2025.