Nearly four in ten women in Cyprus have experienced physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, according to a new European Union survey, highlighting the scale of gender-based violence on the island.
The survey on gender-based violence, conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) and Eurostat in 2024, found that 36.1% of women in Cyprus have faced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. This figure is higher than the EU average of 30.7%.
In addition, almost 40% of women reported experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, underscoring the persistence of gender-based violence in different aspects of daily life.
EU-funded programme to support prevention initiatives
The findings point to the need for targeted prevention and support measures in Cyprus. In response, the new European programme VOICES will provide €2.5 million in funding for initiatives aimed at preventing and combating gender-based violence in Cyprus and Greece.
According to an announcement by the NGO Support Centre in Cyprus, the programme will support 37 projects in total, including 29 in Greece and eight in Cyprus.
The planned interventions will address the prevention and response to domestic and sexual violence, gender-based cyber violence, and other harmful practices linked to gender inequality. Particular attention will be given to women and girls facing multiple vulnerabilities, as well as survivors of violence.
Strengthening civil society organisations
The VOICES programme is co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, together with the Bodossaki Foundation, the Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights, and the NGO Support Centre in Cyprus.
Beyond financing projects, the programme aims to strengthen the organisational capacity and sustainability of civil society organisations, enabling them to play a stronger role in policy development.
Launch event and call for proposals
The launch event for the programme in Cyprus took place on 3 April 2026 at the Strovolos Cultural Centre, featuring an open discussion and a workshop on proposal writing for civil society organisations.
The programme will also include training sessions, mentoring, workshops, networking activities, awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives.
The Bodossaki Foundation, acting as coordinator, in partnership with the NGO Support Centre in Cyprus and the Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights, has announced an open call for proposals titled “Prevention and combatting various forms of gender-based violence.”
Through this call, around 37 projects will receive support, including 29 in Greece and eight in Cyprus, focusing on initiatives addressing all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic and sexual violence, gender-based cyber violence and harmful gender-related practices.
Civil society organisations interested in participating can submit their applications until Wednesday, 1 July 2026, through the Bodossaki Foundation’s online platform.