The Ministry of Justice in Cyprus is strengthening measures to combat gender-based violence

On 24 November 2025, the Ministry of Justice in Cyprus announced the intensification of its efforts to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence and joined the international campaign marking 25 November — the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which signals the start of a 16-day cycle of activities.

This year, the UN Women campaign places particular emphasis on digital violence as one of the fastest-growing forms of gender-based violence. According to the UN, around 1.8 billion women worldwide remain vulnerable to digital aggression due to the widespread use of artificial intelligence, anonymity, and a lack of accountability and legal regulatory mechanisms.

The Ministry reports that, in view of Cyprus’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, it plans to promote a number of initiatives at both national and European levels. These include conducting a pan-European study in cooperation with the European Institute for Gender Equality, preparing Council of the EU conclusions on strengthening the protection of girls in the digital environment, and organising high-level meetings.

In addition, the Ministry is systematically implementing training for frontline professionals, awareness-raising campaigns, research projects, and legislative and institutional changes. The police have launched the digital application “ELPIS”, enabling women at increased risk to anonymously and discreetly request urgent assistance via a mobile phone.