Cyprus reports huge jump in domestic violence cases amid coronavirus pandemic

·

The coronavirus outbreak has brought about a disturbing surge in cases of domestic violence in Cyprus, with the 1440 helpline receiving over 2,000 calls between the date of the confirmation of the island’s first coronavirus case and March 31.

In a recent press release, the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Family Violence said that of the 2,075 calls received by the domestic violence hotline since coronavirus broke out on March 9, the association could only respond to 921, with the remaining 1,154 calls remaining unanswered as the helpline had often been flooded with calls.

“In a period of just 23 days, 15 requests had been made to be transferred to shelters, while 12 women had requested personal counselling and 230 had reported cases of family violence, corresponding to over 10 cases per day,” the Association said in a statement.

“These calls regarding domestic violence are definitely maintaining a highly-concerning upward trend, which mirrors the rising degree of danger against women and children brought about by the new restriction measures.”

In fact, according to experts from the Domestic Violence Association, these measures are now being used as a tool in the hands of perpetrators. New abuse tactics range from:

  • Withholding means of personal protection including antiseptic liquids, masks, and medicine.
  • Withholding or using children as a means of exercising psychological violence.
  • Flouting protective measures and exposing women and children to an increased risk of contracting the virus.
  • Forcing women into excessive uses of personal protection measures, sometimes until they bleed or form wounds.
  • Obstructing women from seeking medical and other help in cases where they develop symptoms.

Are you the victim of any of the above in Australia? Contact 1800 RESPECT.

The Association stressed that it continues to provide help to people in Cyprus through the 1440 helpline, teleconferences and other forms of contact, while shelters remain in full operation.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece, Cyprus and Australia join condemnation of Israeli settlement plans

Greece, Cyprus, Australia were among 25 countries in a joint declaration condemning Israel’s plans to build settlements in the E1 area.

Magna Graecia – Part 6: The eternal return

Across this series, we have journeyed through the Greek settlements of southern Italy, tracing how Hellenic civilisation spread.

Kiato: Greece’s seaside town loved by locals and the diaspora

Kiato is a seaside town, about 25 kilometres from Korinthos on the northern coast of the Peloponnese. On the national highway.

Changing your name and surname abroad and in Greece

It is generally known that in Greece to live and work many foreigners have acquired Greek citizenship by naturalisation or by determination.

Action over inertia: Building the future of the Greek diaspora in Australia

It is necessary that we now be led to the need of finding mechanisms that will halt the demographic withering, the social inertia and the cultural thinning.

You May Also Like

Pontian Brotherhood of SA celebrates Greece’s Independence Day

"As Pontian’s, we realise the magnitude of their efforts against the iron fist of the Ottoman occupation," President Brotherhood President Nazareth Nalpantidis Chisholm said.

US Secretary of State talks defence, Turkey with Greece’s Foreign Minister

Greece's Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, talked with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on defence and relations with Turkey.

Hope in action: Jenny Souris Foundation supporting families facing critical illness

The Jenny Souris Foundation has announced its upcoming fundraising event in October to support three families in critical need.