As many as eight family violence incidents are reported in Cyprus on a daily basis, according to Dr Andri Andronikou who is the Scientific Director of the Association for the Prevention and Response to Domestic Violence (APRDV).
She also told Philenews that some 700 individuals annually are provided with safety and protection at shelters.
The majority of victims – over 85% – are women with their underaged children. Specifically, the Association has received calls to the 1440 Helpline from women aged 85 to underaged who were seeking help either for themselves or for their mother.
“On average, the calls mainly come from 40-55-year-olds but it does not prove that this age group is mainly the one with the problem. But it does show that it takes mainly 5-10 years, at least, to report the abuse one gets,” she said.
“Most complaints involve psychological, verbal, financial and physical abuse by spouses and partners,” she added.
At the same time, Dr Andronikou said a victim is scared to report a violent incident since in many cases the abusers have repeatedly threatened them with killing them or their loved ones.
Also, they threaten to harm their reputation and this prompts many victims to end the abuse themselves without reporting the abuser who gets away with the criminal act.
