Gender-based violence statistics and new support program in Cyprus

Data released on April 8, 2026, reveals that 36.1% of women in Cyprus have experienced physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, a figure exceeding the European Union average of 30.7%. Additionally, nearly 40% of women report facing sexual harassment in the workplace, based on findings from FRA, EIGE, and Eurostat. In response to these figures, the European VOICES program has been launched, securing €2.5 million in funding to combat gender-based violence. The initiative will support 37 projects in total, including 8 in Cyprus and 29 in Greece, with a focus on domestic violence, sexual assault, and gender-based cyberviolence. The program aims to protect vulnerable women and girls while enhancing the sustainability of civil society organizations. Partners involved in the funding and management include the European Union's CERV program, the Bodossaki Foundation, the Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights, and the NGO Support Centre in Cyprus. An official launch event for the initiative took place on April 3, 2026, at the Strovolos Cultural Centre. The program also focuses on empowering civil society to participate in national policy formation regarding gender rights.