Survivors of sexual assault in Cyprus find themselves in distressing situations during their forensic examinations, which are carried out in inadequate facilities resembling a warehouse at Makarios Hospital, situated solely in Nicosia, irrespective of their location within the country.
As stated to Phileleftheros by the director of the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies, Suzanna Pavlou, “they torment and re-traumatize the victims of this horrific experience, transferring them for examination in Nicosia.”
According to a circular from the Ministry of Health, explained Ms. Pavlou, the reason for transferring victims to the capital is that hospitals in other cities do not have the appropriate infrastructure for forensic examination, and therefore would not ensure their privacy.
However, she said, seeing the space at the Makarios Hospital, one understands that the Ministry’s claim is unfounded. “That is, they cannot provide such spaces in other hospitals,” she said and added: “We are talking about a small room, with the absolute basics.”
She also questioned whether this would solve the problem.
“By transporting victims from one province to another to undergo a forensic examination after a very difficult and traumatic experience, while the examination itself is a difficult process; can’t we ensure a space in hospitals in other provinces to provide services?”
She also emphasized the need to create specialized centers to support rape and sexual violence victims.
“It is something that exists in many countries abroad. They have multidisciplinary teams, offering support to victims. We are far behind.” She noted that a group of experts from the Council of Europe highlighted the absence of specialized units in Cyprus.
“While there is infrastructure, it is not utilized, not even the ‘Women’s House’ for conducting forensic examinations,” she emphasized, adding that even if they utilize the facilities provided by the ‘Women’s House’, the problem for other provinces will still not be solved.
“It is a basic service that must be provided, especially since complaints are so frequent. In 2022, they amounted to 57.”
Furthermore, she said, the transfer of victims to Nicosia and consequently the resulting delay negatively impacts evidence collection. “As time passes, there is a risk of their deterioration.”
Another problem, Ms. Pavlou said, is that in Cyprus “only forensic physicians can conduct the examination, and we only have three, and they are men. In other countries, such as in England, other specialties (nurses, midwives, gynecologists) who are adequately trained can also perform it.”
Nevertheless, she concluded, the establishment of a ‘Women’s House’ in all provinces could address existing gaps. “We support multidisciplinary structures like the ‘Women’s House’, as it would provide coordination between services and holistic support to the victim.”
This issue came to light after a question raised by AKEL MP Giorgos Koukoumas to the Ministry of Health. The catalyst was the rape allegations made on September 14, 2023, by two women in the Paphos province.
“It took almost 12 hours for the required forensic examination of the two women to be conducted, following their transfer from Paphos to the Obstetrics Clinic of Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia. Additionally, we have become aware of a decision by the Ministry of Health, according to which the examination of adults alleging sexual abuse is conducted exclusively at the Makarios Hospital, which is the only one that, according to the relevant decision, has suitable facilities ensuring privacy, as well as continuous access to experienced medical personnel. According to the decision, examinations of individuals alleging physical and/or sexual abuse are exclusively conducted by the duty forensic physician.”
