The Special Unit for the Investigation of Cases Concerning Domestic Violence Offenses started its operation on Monday, February 15, at ADE Famagusta.
As Famagusta Police Spokesman Andreas Konstantinou told KYPE, "Domestic violence and violence against women and vulnerable groups are among the highest priorities of the Police, which reiterates its willingness and determination to contribute to its commitment." this phenomenon in the context of its own role and mission ".
He added that "seeing the significant increase in complaints of incidents of domestic violence, the leadership of the Police decided to establish and operate Provincial Cases of Investigation of Cases / Complaints of Domestic Violence, in all Police Directorates. The aim is for these Ladders, with the specialized personnel, to respond immediately to the cases concerning their province and to manage them at a fast pace, taking all the necessary measures for the safety, protection and support of the victims of domestic violence ".
Answering a relevant question, Mr. Konstantinou said that "the District Branch of the Famagusta Police Department started its operation on Monday, February 15 and is under the supervision of the head of the Famagusta Police Department. "Seven members of the Police serve in this Ladder who have been selected based on specific criteria, which are related to the training and experience, which they have acquired in the investigation and handling of such cases in the past".
He also noted that "with the establishment of this Level, the members of the Police have received additional and specialized training to fully meet their duties."
To another question, the spokesperson of ADE Famagusta answered that "statistically throughout the year for the year 2018 were made 1028 complaints, in 2019 1288 complaints were recorded and in 2020 1733 complaints were made. Regarding the province of Famagusta, in 2019 174 complaints were made, while in 2020 199 complaints were made, a significant increase ".
There were, he continued, “a small number of serious cases, which concern domestic violence and have been investigated with all seriousness. We are in contact with both the Police Headquarters and the Legal Service of the Republic for the most correct and effective way of handling such cases ".
Asked if the operation of this Ladder helps confidentiality and confidentiality by making the procedures easier for people who want to report a case, he said that "the goal is for the public and the victims in general to be able to proceed without fear and complain with all confidentiality. The specific cases will always be handled with great secrecy, since the purpose of the Police is always to protect the victims, whether they are vulnerable groups ".
Asked whether a citizen can report domestic violence in the house of a neighbor or acquaintance, taking into account the latest incident in the Workers with the death of two people, Mr. Konstantinou replied that "anyone can file a complaint or give information to the Police for such offenses. The Police calls on the public, if it realizes such crimes, to contact the Force directly, because it is very important to have the cooperation and help of the citizens for such cases ".
He added that "it is very important for people to realize that such crimes are punishable. The public must come close to the Police and in cooperation with the Special Ladder, to be able to achieve the fastest possible solution of the problem ".
He also said that "complaints can be made with any confidentiality, regarding the handling of these sensitive cases, at the Provincial Stairs, or at the Citizen Contact Line at 1460 or at the Office for Handling Domestic Violence and Child Abuse at 22 804402 or at another competent Service or Agency ".
Especially for the free province of Famagusta "any person who will make a complaint or will need some information can contact the Special Ladder at the Famagusta TAE at 23 803080 or 23 803040 or at the local Police Station".