The available resources and infrastructure of the "Woman's House" are under significant pressure, as the ever-increasing volume of incidents of domestic and gender-based violence is combined with operational and organizational problems, according to the scientific director of the Association for the Prevention and Treatment of Violence in the Family (SPAVO), Andri Andronikou.
This is stated in an announcement by the Parliament, for the visit made on Tuesday by the president and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Equal Opportunities between Men and Women to the "Woman's House", which is based in Nicosia, to examine the problems faced by this structure.
According to the announcement, Ms. Andronikou stated that in 2026 the structure responded to 5.728 calls, of which 1.317 were related to incidents of domestic violence, pointing out that the increased demand for services creates additional pressures on human resources, available spaces and infrastructure.
As mentioned, the Committee was welcomed by the President and the Vice President of the Board of Directors of SPAVO, as well as the Scientific Director of the Association. During the visit, the Scientific Director informed the members of the Committee about the services provided by SPAVO to victims of domestic violence, as well as about the procedure followed in relation to the submission of a complaint by a victim of violence.
At the same time, she analyzed the long-standing problems faced by the interdisciplinary structure, which provides protection and support to women-victims of violence and their minor children.
According to what he mentioned, in addition to the increased number of cases, significant problems are found in the full and permanent staffing of the structure with the necessary specialized scientific and support staff, as shortages and delays are recorded.
Reference was also made to the delays observed in the completion of criminal cases by the judicial authorities, while the need to develop a housing policy for victims of violence was highlighted, as well as the need to strengthen their access to the labour market, so that they can gain greater economic and social autonomy.
For their part, the members of the Parliamentary Committee raised, among other things, the need to expand the structure to the provinces of Larnaca and Famagusta, while they also suggested further consideration of the process of taking testimonies from victims of violence.
Regarding the expansion of services, the Scientific Director informed the Committee that an effort is being made to expand the accommodation facilities for victims of violence in the province of Larnaca as well.
According to the information, a hospitality space in Larnaca is expected to operate in February 2027, a development that is expected to expand the possibility of providing protection and support to victims of violence outside the capital, as noted.
CNA
