Recent surge in domestic violence and femicide attempts in Cyprus

Between 2020 and 2025, Cyprus recorded 16 femicide cases involving 17 victims, with an additional two attempted femicides reported in 2026. In late June 2026, a 35-year-old Syrian man allegedly stabbed his former wife and mother-in-law in Nicosia; the suspect remains at large. Shortly after, a 55-year-old police officer shot and wounded his wife in Zakaki before committing suicide with his service weapon. Official data indicates that 300 women and 347 children required support in domestic violence shelters in 2025 alone. Statistics show an average of 110 domestic violence reports per month in the country. Experts note that victims span all socioeconomic backgrounds, and concerns have been raised regarding access to weapons and the psychological evaluation of individuals authorized to carry them. The cases have prompted public calls for legislative action to address systemic gaps in victim protection and security measures.