"Every person, and especially women, has the right to live free from violence, both in public and in private life."
The latest attempted femicide in Limassol is not just another tragic news story. It is yet another reminder that, behind every incident of gender-based violence, lies a critical question for democracy and the rule of law: Did we, as a state, do everything possible to save a human life, to preserve human dignity?
Femicide is not simply a “family tragedy,” nor is it a crime of passion. It is the most extreme form of violence against women and, as recognized by the Istanbul Convention, constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights and a form of gender-based discrimination. Protecting women’s lives, dignity, and safety is not a matter of political choice. It is an international and constitutional obligation of the Republic of Cyprus.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Addressing femicide cannot be limited to law enforcement nor can it begin only after violence has already occurred. The roots of this phenomenon lie deeper: in patriarchal attitudes that continue to perpetuate power dynamics, in the perception that a woman is the property or an extension of a man, in gender stereotypes that foster inequality, and in the tolerance—often unconscious—that society shows toward controlling, humiliating, and psychologically abusive behavior. For this reason, the substantive response must also be preventive: we must systematically invest in education, in raising children from a young age, in fostering a culture of equality, mutual respect, and zero tolerance for any form of gender-based violence. Because societies that instill equality in their children do not later have to heal the consequences of inequality.
Our country has made significant legislative reforms in recent years. But legislation alone does not save lives. Lives are saved by effective institutions, timely risk assessment, coordination of services, adequate support for victims, prevention, and early intervention.
International monitoring mechanisms are not limited to evaluating laws. They assess the actual protection provided to women. In its evaluations of Cyprus, GREVIO (Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence) recognized steps forward, but at the same time highlighted the need to further strengthen protection services, victim support, cooperation among the relevant authorities, and the effective implementation of the obligations arising from the Istanbul Convention.
These observations are not directed solely at one government. They concern the state as a whole. However, every government has a responsibility to translate the country’s international commitments into daily protection for every woman who is at risk. When a woman reports violence, the state has no right to fail her.
On Monday, the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Equal Opportunities for Men and Women will convene in the presence of the Minister of Justice, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, and all relevant agencies and organizations, a special session to examine the surge in incidents of gender-based violence following the latest attempted femicide in Limassol. Our goal is not merely to exchange observations. It is to assign responsibility, identify weaknesses, and demand specific interventions, measurable timelines, and concrete action.
Gender equality is not limited to equal representation or equal opportunities in the workplace. Its most fundamental test is whether every woman feels safe in her own home, at work, and in public spaces.
The level of civilization in a society is not measured solely by how smoothly everything runs. It is measured by how it protects the vulnerable when they are most at risk.
The fight against gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue. It is a matter of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human dignity. And in this fight, we must not settle for anything less than effectively combating gender-based violence and protecting every woman in our country.
Christos Christofides
Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Equal Opportunities for Men and Women
AKEL Member of Parliament – Nicosia
