The number of cases of domestic violence in Cyprus has increased by 40% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Andri Andronikou, Director of the Association for Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence.

She noted that the situation is global in nature and is typical for all countries affected by coronavirus.
Presumably, the catalysts here are antipandemic restrictions and economic instability: people are under stress, lose money, lose the ability to plan the future and confidence in the future – all the while being forced to stay together in confined spaces for a long time.

“From January to present 263 people – including 121 women and 142 children – have been granted asylum in the premises of the Association in Limassol and Paphos, as well as in alternative structures created during the Coronavirus period”, – told Andronikou. She added that the Association hotline received 2016 calls about domestic violence during this period, 1163 of which were primary ones.