Limassol police made 29 domestic violence arrests in two months
The Limassol police unit tasked with investigating domestic violence cases responded to 180 complaints in two months and 29 arrests, Justice Minister Emily Yiolitis said on Wednesday.
The department started operating with ten officers on a pilot basis in September. It investigated 84 complaints and made 13 arrests during the first month of operation, and 96 in October which led to 16 arrests.
Recently, a corresponding department started operating with 11 officers in Nicosia.
“The government and me personally will do everything possible to tackle gender-based violence to the fullest extent,” Yiolitis said in light of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is marked on November 25.
The minister assured that gender-based and domestic violence, as well as the incorporation of the provisions of the Istanbul Convention into domestic legislation were high in her priorities.
A meeting among the stakeholders took place recently to discuss the existing bill criminalising violence against women and girls, the minister said.
Yiolitis added that her ministry was actively involved in the state’s attempts to establish a Women’s Home, a multidisciplinary centre for the support and empowerment of abused women.
“Our struggle and actions should focus on the exemplary punishment of the perpetrator but mainly to strengthen the voice of the victims and on their persistent, steady and continuous support, protection and empowerment,” she said.